Reference no: EM134020417
Discussion of Closing Arguments: Strengths and Weaknesses
Regardless of your verdict, whether guilty, not guilty, or undecided, you should still be able to recognize what is effective and ineffective in an argument. The lawyers in this case have tried to wrap things up using the evidence presented to prove their verdicts. Notably, they are basing two exact opposite arguments on the exact same evidence. As we reach the end of the trial, try to step back from your verdict and look at the closing arguments as models (very flawed models) of argument in order to evaluate them. Neither is very good, though each has a few good points.
Our purpose here is to pause and examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of these closing arguments to collect ideas for argumentation strategies that we can use in our own writing. We will have an open forum to debate the verdict shortly, so here please limit yourself to evaluating the closing arguments in the trial.
Post responses to the following questions. Then, post at least two comments or questions for other students.
Respond to the following:
1. Which of the two summation arguments takes into account most of the factual evidence?
2. Which seems the more manipulative? How do you know?
3. What, in your opinion, were the strengths and weaknesses of this closing argument?
4. What could have been done to make this a more convincing argument?
Then, comment on at least two other posts. Remember here to debate the strengths and weaknesses of the lawyers' closing arguments, not the verdict. (That's coming; don't worry!) You might state whether or not you agree with someone else (and why) or any other thoughts you have that were inspired by the original post.