Legal and Argumentation Terms

Front

Opening statement

Back

Statement made by the lawyer for each side at the beginning of a trial, in which each lawyer outlines the case he or she intends to present.

Front

Closing statement

Back

In a trial, each attorney's summary of the case, which attempts to persuade the judge (and the jury if there is one) to favor his or her side.

Front

Counterargument

Back

The opposite argument or viewpoint from what the speaker/writer is saying.

Front

Rebuttal

Back

A response that refutes an argument; a comeback.

Front

Refute

Back

To prove to be false or incorrect.

Front

Justify

Back

Defend, explain, or make excuses for by reasoning.

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Acknowledge

Back

To recognize or admit.

Front

Delineate

Back

Mark the outline of; sketch; describe in detail.

Front

Evaluate

Back

To examine, assess, and judge carefully.