Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part F. Trials · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 235 sets the timing for opening statements, letting the plaintiff go first right after the jury is impaneled and the defendant follow immediately after.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 235
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As soon as the jury is impaneled the attorney for the plaintiff may make an opening statement.
The attorney for the defendant may immediately follow with an opening statement. An opening statement may not be made at any other time, except in the discretion of the trial court.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 235 is short and practical. Once the jury is impaneled, the plaintiff’s attorney may open with a statement to the jury describing the case. The defendant’s attorney may follow right away with an opening statement of their own.
The rule keeps opening statements at that one point in the trial. Neither side can make an opening statement at any other time, unless the trial judge allows it as a matter of discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a party make an opening statement?
Right after the jury is impaneled: plaintiff’s counsel first, then defendant’s counsel immediately after.
Can a party give an opening statement later in the trial?
Only if the trial judge allows it as an exception; otherwise, opening statements happen only at the start of trial.
Does the defendant have to wait to respond to the plaintiff’s opening statement?
No, the defendant’s attorney may immediately follow the plaintiff’s opening statement with one of their own.
Is an opening statement required?
Rule 235 permits an opening statement; it does not require one.
Does Rule 235 apply to bench trials as well as jury trials?
The rule’s language ties the timing to when the jury is impaneled, so it is written with jury trials in mind.
Committee Comments
This is a revision of Rule 6.4 of the Uniform Rules for the Circuit Courts of Illinois.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:opening statement timingopening statement orderwhen to give opening statementplaintiff opens firsttrial opening statements