Which stage directly precedes Jury Instructions?

• A. Opening Statements
• B. Govt's Case
• C. Defendant's Case
• D. Closing Arguments

Answer: (D)

The sequence of a trial places closing arguments right before jury instructions. After both sides have presented their evidence—opening statements to outline what will be shown, the government's case, and possibly the defendant’s case—the attorneys deliver closing arguments to summarize the facts and argue how they should be weighed under the law. At this point the judge then provides the jury with the necessary legal standards through the jury instructions, guiding how to apply the facts to the law during deliberations. Because the summing up of the case comes just before the legal guidelines are given, closing arguments directly precede jury instructions.