The Libby perjury case–and the “big” opening argument

Never underestimate the power of a great opening argument. If you are representing a defendant, an explosive start with a compellingly structured “lens” will sit with the jury for weeks–and can put the plaintiff on trial. See also yesterday’s International Herald Tribune piece on defense counsel Ted Wells’ booming opening statement in the Scooter Libby perjury trial re: the Plame CIA leak/outing–and the dangers of the blunderbuss opening in that case.