Local

Expert explains why opening statements are crucial in Kerrick trial

By Jim Bradley
By Jim Bradley

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There have been varying accounts of exactly what happened ever since Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Randall "Wes" Kerrick opened fire on unarmed Jonathan Ferrell in September 2013.
 
Soon, opening statements will give attorneys for both sides the chance to offer jurors their own interpretations of critical events before, during and after the shooting. 
 
Prosecutors and defense attorneys will offer the best summary of their cases in an effort to lead jurors toward their point of view, legal expert James Wyatt said.

Trial Archive:

"What does the video show? What happened when Jonathan Ferrell went to the woman's home? What happened in that critical time between when police arrived and the time he was shot?" Wyatt said.
 
Opening statements will allow each side to emphasize the evidence that best helps their cases while at the same time, addressing potential weaknesses before they're brought up by the other side, Wyatt said.
 
"If you're the state (prosecutors), it's that Jonathan Ferrell may have aggressively attacked the officer. If you're the defense team, you have the fact that one officer shot Mr. Ferrell while others didn't draw their weapons and didn't shoot him," Wyatt said.
 
Attorneys will also try to establish a rapport with jurors who will ultimately decide guilt or innocence. 
 
The first few, short minutes are essential to get right, Wyatt said.
 
"Opening statements, it's been shown, are often more important than closing arguments because it's the first exposure to the case that the jury gets," Wyatt said. "It's like making a first impression with people. That first impression is critically important."

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

WSOC

Most Read