Art. 1632.  Order of trial

The normal order of trial shall be as follows:

(1)  The opening statements by the plaintiff and the defendant, in that order;

(2)  The presentation of the evidence of the plaintiff and of the defendant, in that order;

(3)  The presentation of the evidence of the plaintiff in rebuttal; and

(4)  The argument of the plaintiff, of the defendant, and of the plaintiff in rebuttal, in that order.

This order may be varied by the court when circumstances so justify.

When an action involves parties in addition to the plaintiff and the defendant, the court shall determine the order of trial as to them and the plaintiff and the defendant.