At this time, we are going to be addressed by the attorneys with regard to their opening statements. I want to inform you and advise you that opening statements are not evidence; they are statements by the attorneys as to what they expect the evidence is going to show, what their theory of the case is, and how they hope to prove their case on -- their side of the case. While what they say to you is not evidence, it is, nevertheless, important for you to pay close attention to it, because this is one of the two opportunities they're going to have to address you about this case, at this time and also at the end of case, after all of the evidence is in, when, at that time, they'll have the opportunity of arguing to you and reasoning with you as to what they believe the evidence did show or failed to show, and how the law should apply to that state of the evidence, and why you should find in favor of their clients. So at this time, we'll hear if the plaintiffs. You may proceed.
opening statements are not evidence; they are statements by the attorneys as to what they expect the evidence is going to show, what their theory of the case is, and how they hope to prove their case
this is one of the two opportunities they're going to have to address you about this case