LAC 22:XV.1373. Opening Statements

A. Counsel should prepare and request to make an opening statement to provide an overview of the case unless a strategic reason exists for not doing so. The attorney should be familiar with the law and the individual trial judge's rules regarding the permissible content of an opening statement. The attorney should consider the strategic advantages and disadvantages of disclosure of particular information during the opening statement and of deferring the opening statement until the beginning of the defense case.