What term refers to the attorneys' initial remarks to the jury about their case?

The term that refers to the attorneys' initial remarks to the jury about their case is opening statements. During this phase of a trial, each party's attorney presents an outline of their case, highlighting the key evidence and introducing the main arguments they intend to present throughout the proceedings. Opening statements are crucial because they set the stage for the jury, helping them to understand what to expect as the trial unfolds. This is the first opportunity for attorneys to make an impression on the jury and establish a narrative that they will build upon with their evidence and witness testimony.

The other terms, while they may sound similar, do not capture the specific purpose or standard terminology used in legal proceedings. Summary statements typically refer to conclusions drawn at the end of a case, introductory remarks might not carry the same formal weight, and initial arguments usually refer more to the position taken in legal pleadings or motions rather than the first remarks made to the jury.