In the closing argument made by a defense lawyer, what type of appeal is primarily being used?

In a closing argument made by a defense lawyer, the primary appeal often used is an appeal to pity. This type of appeal seeks to evoke emotions from the jury by highlighting the hardships or misfortunes of the defendant. The defense may present personal stories or circumstances that make the jurors feel sympathy for the defendant, aiming to create an emotional connection that may influence their decision-making. By focusing on the human aspect of the case and eliciting feelings of compassion, the defense hopes to mitigate the severity of the charges or encourage a less harsh judgment.

While other types of appeals, such as appeals to logic or trust, can also play a role in a defense attorney’s argumentation, appealing to pity specifically targets the emotions and can be particularly impactful in shaping the jury’s perception of the defendant’s situation.