1.5 Claims and Defenses

            To help you follow the evidence, I will give you a brief summary of the positions of the parties:

            The plaintiff asserts that [plaintiff’s claims]. The plaintiff has the burden of proving these claims.

            The defendant denies those claims [and also contends that [defendant’s counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses]]. [The defendant has the burden of proof on these [counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses.]]

            [The plaintiff denies [defendant’s counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses].]