The short answer
An opening statement previews the evidence each side expects to present. A closing argument explains what the evidence showed and argues the reasonable inferences from it.
Where it fits in your case
Openings come right after jury selection. Closings come after all evidence and before or after jury instructions, depending on the court.
What to expect
Openings are not argument. Lawyers should not promise evidence they cannot deliver.
Closings may argue inferences but may not misstate evidence or appeal to prejudice.
Order. The plaintiff usually closes first and gets a rebuttal at the end.
Objections are possible during both, though lawyers use them sparingly.
What we need from you
Your input on themes and on how the evidence came across in the courtroom.
Common misconceptions
“What lawyers say is evidence.” Jurors are instructed that it is not.
“Closings win cases.” They organize evidence; they rarely replace it.