Defence Statements and Openings: Rule 25.9 and being fair and concise

Published: 11th May 2023

This webinar has now finished. You can view the replay at our later blog post.

A practice is growing of asking Defence Counsel to open 1 or 2 sentences after the prosecution opening in serious cases which may not be in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Rules. Rule 25.9, taken together with the overriding objective allows for a fair and concise rehearsal of the issues raised in the defence statement or alternatively for the jury to be given the defence statement. This webinar discusses the delivery of defence openings / summary of issues, how defence statements can be framed to support a defence opening, and what is the bare minimum for opening defence issues which is fair.

Presented by our Dr Felicity Gerry KC and Marie Spenwyn

Felicity and Marie have significant experience defending in the most serious of criminal matters including homicide, terrorism and war crimes. Both are co-authors of The Sexual Offences Handbook (3rd Ed forthcoming). They are well versed in taking procedural challenges and taking the best strategic approaches for clients.

Register today – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/defence-statements-and-openings-rule-259-and-being-fair-and-concise-tickets-633231280807

Defence Statements and Openings: Rule 25.9 and being fair and concise

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