A trial begins with the lawyers telling you what they expect the evidence to show. These statements and other statements made by the lawyers during the course of the trial can be of considerable assistance to you in understanding the evidence as it is presented at trial. Statements of the lawyers, however, are not themselves evidence. The evidence will be the testimony of witnesses, the exhibits, and any facts agreed to by the parties. After you have heard all the evidence, I will give you final instructions on the law. The lawyers will argue the case, and then you will retire to the jury room to arrive at a verdict.
The plaintiff's attorney will now make an opening statement.
[13-108 NMRA; as amended, effective January 1, 1987; November 1, 1991; recompiled and amended, effective March 1, 2005.]