Date of Project

5-8-2019

Document Type

Honors Thesis

School Name

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Communication

Major Advisor

Dr. Ruth Wagoner

Second Advisor

Dr. Annette Powell

Third Advisor

Dr. Evanthia Speliotis

Abstract

This analysis of 21 opening statements probes at current persuasive practices employed by trial attorneys through the lens of mainstream legal advice and an expanded definition of rhetorical invention – one which includes both discovery and creation. An evaluation of such practice reveals the utility, and furthermore the duty of the advocate, to draw upon an expanded realm of available arguments.

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