GOLDEN-RULE ARGUMENT
golden-rule argument.A jury argument in which a lawyer asks the jurors to reach a verdict by
imagining themselves or someone they care about in the place of the injured plaintiff or crime
victim. • Because golden-rule arguments ask the jurors to become advocates for the plaintiff or
victim and to ignore their obligation to exercise calm and reasonable judgment, these arguments
are widely condemned and are considered improper in most states. [Cases: Trial 125(1). C.J.S.
Trial §§ 320, 323.] [Blacks Law 8th]