The Secrets Weapons of Opening Statements

Primacy and Recency Effects

The primacy and recency effects are arguably the most misinterpreted psychological constructs in litigation. Most trial attorneys simply understand them as “jurors most remember the first and last things you say to them.” However, it is not that simple. In fact, more sophisticated versions of the primacy and recency effects exist at trial, mainly during opening statements. These effects go far beyond basic memory enhancement, and actually have a significant impact on juror information processing and decision-making.