Opening Statement In The Trial Of Kyle Rittenhouse

Kyle Rittenhouse trial observation

On November 2, 2021, opening statements began in the trial of WI v. Rittenhouse. The defendant, Kyle Rittenhouse, is accused of killing two men and seriously injuring a third during the violent protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 25, 2020. During the prosecution's opening statements, lead prosecutor Thomas Binger argues that amongst the chaos and violence that occurred during these protests, Mr. Rittenhouse is the only person who kills anyone. The prosecutor makes it clear that the only aspect to be disputed in this case is self-defense and recite Wisconsin statute 939.48 (2) (a). This statute is summarized by the prosecution as meaning that the defendant can only use deadly force if he reasonably

Rosenbaum's prior or pending criminal convictions. The defense at this point argues that by the prosecution mentioning Rosenbaum's hospital stay, they opened the door to Rosenbaum's prior convictions. Mr. Rosenbaum at this time had a bond condition that prevented him from visiting his fiance, Kariann Swart, whom he did visit on the night of the protests after his hospital stay. The defense argues that the jury should know that the hospital, which was mentioned by the prosecution, was a mental hospital that Mr. Rosenbaum himself admitted himself to and was released

The prosecution begins their direct examination of Dominick Black as a witness to the events before and leading up to August 25th. Dominick Black was asked questions specifically about the AR-15 that Kyle Rittenhouse was in possession of, as well as the medical supplies he had packed before heading up to Kenosha. I believe the purpose of the prosecution focusing particularly on the AR-15 was to put emphasis on the fact that Kyle wasn’t of legal age to purchase the firearm at the time. This, I believe, was an attempt to reinforce the facts and charges that the prosecutors were posing to Kyle