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plaidoirie

closing argument, plea

noun pleh-dwa-REE Rare
People & Society Law

Usage Note

Plaidoirie is the formal oral argument delivered by a defense lawyer (l'avocat) before a court, distinct from written submissions. It is the noun form of the verb plaider ('to plead'). A celebrated plaidoirie can become a cultural landmark — French legal rhetoric is taught in law schools as an art form.

Examples

"Sa plaidoirie a ému tout le tribunal."

Natural Translation

His closing argument moved the entire court.

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