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DNA - A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory

Closing Argument

Introduction on Closing Arguments

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National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Preparing for closing arguments begins with the investigation of the case, continues throughout the trial, and culminates in the state's final communication of the reality of the crime to the jury. This reality is conveyed to the jury through the evidence they have heard or seen throughout the trial and the connection of this evidence to the defendant. In this context, DNA is a dramatic confirmation of the reality of the crime arising from the evidence.

In this topic you will learn about summarizing a case with a clear and concise closing argument that articulates the prosecutor's message so the jury is reminded of case specifics and the critical role DNA evidence played in making the case.

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