term:

Closing Argument

closing argument n

: the final address to the jury by the attorney for each side of a case in which the attorney usually summarizes the evidence and his or her client's position called also closing statement final argument summation summing-up NOTE: Rule 29.1 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure requires the prosecution to open the closing argument after the closing of the evidence. The defense replies, and the prosecution may offer a rebuttal.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.