ABSTRACT
The privilege of opening the first trial in history for crimes against the peace of the world imposes a grave responsibility. he opening statement deviates from trial language in other phases of the proceedings and has a somewhat ambiguous status within the legal discourse. But, though usually not obligatory, the opening statement is hardly ever omitted. Apparently, a trial is not complete without an opening statement. Opening statements are carefully crafted, drafted, rehearsed, and performed. Compared with other trial sessions, they are less fragmented and more story-like; opening statements are subjected to interference to only a limited extent, which leaves a larger degree of control over its final form and content to the prosecutor. Although the multiplicity of audiences is not specific to the opening statement, the discursive attempt to unify the world culminates on the opening day. At the start of most international criminal trials, each party can make an opening statement before the prosecution begins its actual case.
