Definition
The final argument before a jury where lawyers recap evidence and ask jurors to rule in their favor—the last chance to convince the room before they vote.
Example Usage
In his summation, the defense attorney reminded the jury that the burden of proof remained on the prosecution.
Origin
From Latin 'summare,' meaning to sum up or add together
Fun Fact
Experienced trial lawyers consider summation as important as cross-examination, yet many law schools barely teach it
Source: Trial procedure terminology
Related Terms
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