Closing Argument to Jury

(a) Plaintiff’s Closing Argument. The following rules apply to the final portion of plaintiff’s closing argument to a jury: (1) The argument may not exceed the lesser of: (A) one-half the aggregate time allotted for plaintiff’s closing argument; or (B) the time used in the opening portion of plaintiff’s closing argument; (2) Plaintiff may not argue a general issue not discussed in the opening portion of plaintiff’s closing argument, unless in rebuttal; and (3) If, after the opening portion of plaintiff’s closing argument, defendant waives argument, no further argument is permitted. (4) As used in subsection (a), “plaintiff” includes the State in a criminal case. (b) Defendant’s Closing Argument. If plaintiff does not have the burden of persuasion on any issue, the rules in subsection (a) apply to defendant’s closing argument. [ History: Am. effective September 8, 2006; Restyled rule and amended effective July 1, 2012.]