[Disclaimer]
The opening statement shall be limited to fifteen minutes, unless the court for cause shown shall extend the time.
The court in its discretion may permit, or in a civil action require, a defendant to make an opening statement of his defense before any evidence is introduced.
The court may order that the pleadings be summarized in an opening statement but not be read to the jury. No reference to the ad damnum shall be made by counsel nor shall pleadings go to the jury except by authorization of the court.
