‘Murdaugh Murders’ Saga: The Importance Of Opening Statements

by ASHLEIGH MESSERVY

Let me just start this little post out by applauding how efficient and professional the jury selection process has been in this case. To think that some 900 people received the questionnaire just weeks ago and from there judge Clifton Newman, court personnel and the attorneys in this case were able to effectively weed through the jury pool in such a short period of time was not only pretty darn impressive – it set the tone for a case that could use some “atta boy” (or girl) when it’s due. 

In this interview, we tackled quite a bit as S.C. first circuit solicitor David Pascoe and renowned veteran defense attorney Jack Swerling laid out what you can expect when it comes to pre-trial motions, opening statements and more.

I was most intrigued by opening statements, because little did I know how important they are to the trial – especially for the prosecution. I always wondered what in the heck the defense and prosecution were writing down on their legal pads at this time – but now I’m much more educated on why this moment is THE MOMENT for prosecutors to tell us exactly what they believe the facts of the case are and how they plan on proving them beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The defense will obviously pay very close attention to these arguments which given them the chance to – for the first time – see what exactly the prosecution plans to show and it is this very moment where the defense will hang on every single word in hopes that they will make a promise they ultimately can’t keep. I loved the stories these two shared and I hope you do too! 

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