5 Language, gesture and power in closing argument
In chapters 3 and 4 we studied the organizational dynamics of opening statement. In chapters 5 and 6 we turn to closing argument. According to both forensic linguists and legal scholars, closing constitutes the most dramatic moment of the adversary trial. Rosulek (2010: 218) refers to closing as the “master narrative of the crime, investigation and trial.” Stygall (2012: 380) characterizes it as a “powerful moment” in the proceedings. Heffer (2010: 212) states that it is “often considered by trial lawyers as their main performance event . . .” Similarly, legal scholars emphasize the importance of closing argument for evaluating testimony. Mauet (2010: 387) mentions how closing represents the ...
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