to open

1 definition found

to open - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  TO OPEN, OPENING. To open a case is to make a statement of the pleadings in 
  a case, which is called the opening. 
       2. The opening should be concise, very distinct and perspicuous. Its 
  use is to enable the judge and jury to direct their attention to the real 
  merits of the case, and the points in issue. 1 Stark. R. 439;S. C. 2 E. C. 
  L. R. 462; 2 Stark. R. 31; S. C 3 Eng. C. L. R. 230. 
       3. The opening address or speech is that made immediately after the 
  evidence has been closed; such address usually states, 1st. The full extent 
  of the plaintiff's claims, and the circumstances under which they are made, 
  to show that they are just and reasonable. 2d. At least an outline of the 
  evidence by which those claims are to be established. 3d. The legal grounds 
  and authorities in favor of the claim or of the proposed evidence. 4th. An 
  anticipation of the expected defence, and statement of the grounds on which 
  it is futile, "either in law or justice, and the reasons why it ought to 
  fail. 3 Chit. Pr. 881; 3 Bouv. Inst. n. 3044, et seq. To open a judgment, is 
  to set it aside.