gracielee
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2011
- Messages
- 4,095
- Reaction score
- 8
Because the prosecution has the burden of proof, they have two opportunities to make their closing statement. It usually works as such, the state makes it's closing, then the defense goes, then the state has the final say. That is the way it works in criminal trials where both sides have presented a case in chief. If the defense doesn't put on any evidence, then they have the last word. In this instance, this cooper case, the prosecution is waiving it's opportunity to speak first, their first closing attempt, and only speaking to the jury ONE time, AFTER the defense's closing. *Probably* because the jury has been expressing their displeasure at the time it's taking. Although, the closings themselves, are allowed the same time limits. 2 hours, each side. Were the prosecution to use their time in two frames, first and last, they still would only have 2 total hours, just as the defense has 2 hours.
