| Minimum Software Version | 8.16.3.1 |
| Solution(s) | Hearings ⨉ Cases International ✓ Cases US ✓ Institutions ⨉ Counsel ✓ |
Explains how the Issues worksheet supports the order of proof and evidence management case lifecycles in Opus 2.
The Issues worksheet is the starting point for both the order of proof (US) and evidence management case lifecycles in Opus 2. It allows lawyers to identify and organise the legal and factual issues in dispute, and to align evidence, witnesses, and chronology against each issue.
Order of proof (US) / Evidence matrix (International)
When preparing an order of proof or evidence matrix, lawyers strategically organise their case to present evidence in a clear and compelling manner. Key elements tracked include:
Key issues and elements: Identify the legal elements that must be proved — for example, negligence or breach of contract — and align evidence with each required element.
Witnesses: List witnesses who can prove or rebut each element.
Exhibits and evidence: Organise documents, photographs, contracts, or other evidence to support the issues or rebut elements.
Chronology and narrative: Structure the order of proof to tell a logical and persuasive story, and detail events to support or rebut the issues and elements.
Jury instructions (US only) and legal standards: Align evidence presentation with jury instructions to ensure the burden of proof is met.
How Opus 2 features support evidence management
| Step | Task | Opus 2 feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the factual and legal issues in dispute | Issues worksheet |
| 2 | Align documentary evidence to the issues in the case | Documents |
| 3 | List witnesses who can provide evidence on the factual issues | Characters |
| 4 | Structure the evidence to tell a logical and persuasive story | Chronology |
| 5 | Organise evidence in lists or exhibit bundles appended to witness statements | Collections |
Related links
Related documentation
Opus 2 has help information accessible within the application; click the question mark and then select Documentation in the upper-right area of the platform. You can also access the documentation at: Opus 2 Support.
How to contact us
To contact us about the documentation, or if you have any other questions or issues about Opus 2 solutions, contact Opus 2 Platform Support by emailing Opus 2 Platform Support.