Purpose of Opening Statements

  We’ve all seen movies that reflect the power of an opening statement.   Remember the movies “The Devil’s Advocate” or “Philadelphia” or “A Few Good Men?”   All of these show powerful opening statements with a purpose.  Remember the movie "My Cousin Vinny?"  This movie does not reflect a powerful opening statement with a purpose, although it sure is funny!   “The purpose of opening statements is to outline what an attorney expects the evidence will establish, and control of opening statements is within the trial court’s discretion.” Bush v. State, 809 So.2d 107, 118 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002). The opening statement allows a party’s...