Opening Statements Set the Tone in Trump's Hush Money Trial

Lawyers presented their opening arguments in the high-profile case against former President Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of initial impressions on the jury.

Opening statements in Donald Trump's hush money trial began on April 22, 2024, in New York, where he faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg highlighted the potential influence of these records on the 2016 presidential election.
Experts note that 65-75% of jurors typically decide on a case based on the opening statements, with 85% maintaining their initial judgment.
The defense and prosecution in the trial used their opening statements to frame the narrative for the jurors, setting the stage for the months of testimony ahead.
The trial's outcome will hinge significantly on these early impressions, as historical data shows jurors' decisions are often formed at this stage.