Wiktionary
opening speech
n. (context legal English) In adversarial legal systems, a statement made by either party at the beginning of a trial or comparable factfinding proceeding, in which that party lays out their case, generally including the points of fact that they intend to demonstrate and to some degree indicating the rhetorical arguments for why they should prevail.
Usage examples of "opening speech".
When I finished my opening speech, I gave Varshakara the letter that the Indian eunuch had written in Darius' name.
Challoner had prepared an opening speech, but had no opportunity of delivering it, for her ladyship spoke first, and in a disconcerting fashion.
It will be more like half a million by the time Vorster starts his official opening speech.