1. Oplinger Closing Argument Competition
Info Session

2. General Info What: Oplinger Closing Argument Competition
When: March 19, 20 (Finals March 22nd)
Time: 6 – 9:15 PM
Location: Beus Center for Law & Society

3. How It Works Each competitor gives a 15 minute closing argument
Plaintiff starts, usually reserves time for rebuttal (1-2 mins)
Judges act as a Jury
Closed Universe Problem (no outside jury instructions/statutes unless mentioned)
PPT, props, and visual aids encouraged!
Judges like extras if helpful
Use enlarged exhibits or evidence as powerful aids
us in advance if using an aid, exhibit, or PPT

4. Judges are looking for…
Organization
Theme & Prayer for Relief
Don’t say “may it please the court.”
Criminal Example (State’s Closing): “Three steps was all it took for the Defendant to plunge his knife into Mr. Smith’s chest. Three simple steps: One, to make the conscious choice to end a life. Two, to raise the knife above his head. And three, to swing it back down---ending Mr. Smith’s life. You see, we’re here today because of the Defendant’s conscious disregard for the sanctity of human life. And that’s why the State asks you to find him guilty of murder in the first degree.
Quick Facts
No more than 45 seconds recap
Main Argument (deal with weaknesses, too!)
Details on how facts support/don’t support the charges
Details on how weaknesses are there, but you should still win because X
Applicable Statutes / Jury Instructions / Burden of Proof
Explain Burden and how it was met (or not met)
Check off each element and explain why they’ve been proven (or not proven)
Theme & Prayer
End strongly with theme and prayer---let it linger in air. Don’t say “Thank you.”
Oral Advocacy Skills
Tone, pacing, gestures, voice, courtroom manner, persuasiveness

5. How to Prepare Memorize entire close! Develop Theme
Simple, few-word sound bite that anchors the case
Ex: Three steps…
Write out Bullet Point Structure (NOT PROSE)
Don’t rely heavily on your notes
Practice out loud in front of friends, family, peers…
Time yourself
Videotape yourself
Nervous habits, ticks
“Um…”
Hands
Posture

6. Sign Up Online https://goo.gl/rQqae2
First-Come, First-Served
Sign-ups open TODAY at 2; close Wednesday, Feb. 28th (problem and schedule drops Saturday, Mar. 3rd)
Can’t Time and Compete (pick 1 or the other)
Competitors (32)
8 slots open Monday, March 19th
24 slots open Tuesday, March 20th
Timers (5)
1 Monday, March 19th; 3 Tuesday, March 20th; 1 Thursday, March 22nd
Just over 3 hour (6-9:15) commitment
Free food
Looks great if want to join Board
Get to sit through multiple closings and judge feedback
Networking with judges!

7. Prizes from American Association of Defense Counsel (AADC)
1st - $1000
2nd - $500
3rd - $250

8. Questions? Anything else: email asu.moot.court.board@gmail.com
More Resources:
Videos, Rubric, Further Reading: