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Opening Statement JPOS

The Opening Statement event challenges participants to review a criminal case and articulate a compelling opening statement. Competitors will assume the role of either the Prosecuting or Defense Attorney in a simulated courtroom.
  • Guidelines and Scorecard

To encourage criminal justice students to improve their ability to properly present an opening statement for a criminal case in a court of law.

Objectives

  • Review the criminal case prior to competition.
  • Research and study case law as it relates to the case described.
  • Determine if you will be calling any witnesses or referencing any evidence.
  • Prepare on opening statement as either the Prosecuting Attorney or the Defense Attorney.
  • Make notes on a single 3"x 5" notecard. Both front and back may be utilized. Nothing else can be brought into the competition.

Recommended Courses

    Court Systems and Practices

Rulebook

The rulebook is the official source of rules for all TPSA competitive events.

  • Type

    Prepared

  • Team Size

    Individual

  • 3

    entries

    Entry Limit

    per Chapter

  • Scoring

    Highest Score Wins

  • Awards

    Top 3 Placements

  • 60

    points

    State Conference

    Advancement Score


Recommended Courses

    Court Systems and Practices


Rulebook

The rulebook is the official source of rules for all TPSA competitive events.

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