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Oplinger Closing Argument Competition

Participate in the Oplinger Closing Argument Competition and enhance your oral advocacy skills. Competitors give a 15-minute closing argument, using props and visual aids. Judges act as a jury, evaluating organization, persuasive techniques, and adherence to legal guidelines. Prizes from AADC.

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Oplinger Closing Argument Competition

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  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 • Email 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: • http://asulawmootcourt.org/internal-competitions/

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