Focus (Forum & Focus)
Dec. 27, 2007
Reopening Closing Arguments
Focus Column - By Laurie L. Levenson - Larry Fidler, the judge in the recent Phil Spector murder trial, brought the previously obscure practice of reopening closing arguments to light. What might suprise you is how easily this process can occur.
By Laurie L. Levenson
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler caused quite a stir when he raised the possibility during deliberations in the Phil Spector murder trial that he might reinstruct the jury and allow the lawyers to reargue a portion of their case.
In fact, a judge has full discretion to reopen closing argument to assist a jury in overcoming a deadlock....
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In