This inquiry critically explores the practice of speech reporting in the monologic genre of courtroom opening statements. Using the opening statements of three high-profile trials, this inquiry examines the form, function, and frequency of reported utterances that manifest within the opening statement. It is disclosed that the opening statement is a very heteroglossic genre, and the inclusion of voices is pragmatically inspired, serving five functions: contextualizing, disaligning, evidential, narrative and discourse organizing. Reanimation of voices allows lawyers to generate and negotiate various realities and adds to making the opening statement truly argumentative.