To persuade jurors, you’ll need to offer a thematic story throughout the entire case presentation and through each witness. With the aid of a mock trial, you’ll know what themes resonated best and have a case story crafted around those themes…. Read More
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Voir Dire Questions: Where Do I Start?
As we’ve discussed in detail previously, the right voir dire questions are those that lead you toward achieving two main objectives: 1) identifying jurors whose attitudes do not align with your client or your case, and 2) establishing the foundation… Read More
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How to Deal With Bad Company Documents, Part 2: Trial
Almost every case has one. Some cases have a few. And in mass tort litigation, they can follow a company around the country, affecting every case and never going away. Bad company documents are the bane of many trial attorneys’… Read More
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What Should I Include in a Mini-Opening? How to Increase Cause Strikes and Save Your Best Jurors
In the hopes of piquing the interest of jurors and minimizing hardship requests, more and more judges are encouraging parties to make “mini-openings” prior to voir dire. In fact, California courts now require judges to “allow a brief opening statement… Read More
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How to Deal With Bad Company Documents, Part 1: Voir Dire
Almost every case has one. Some cases have a few. And in mass tort litigation, they can follow a company around the country, affecting every case and never going away. Bad company documents are the bane of many trial attorneys’… Read More
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4 Challenges of Jury Selection in Small Town Venues
When it comes to litigation, voir dire, and the jury selection process, small towns in America are different from larger cities in more than just size. Sure, every venue comes with its own hometown culture and shared experiences; but, when… Read More
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Commitment Effects, Part 2: Does Allowing Juror Discussion Prior to Deliberation Affect Their Decision Making?
In Part 1 of this blog, we discussed whether asking verdict-related questions early in a mock trial can cause a commitment effect in mock jurors, such that they are less likely to change their opinions as more evidence is presented…. Read More
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Active Shooter Premises Liability: What Are Jurors’ Expectations of Safety?
Time and time again, the American public reels from the traumas of mass shootings. Virginia Tech, Aurora, Pulse Night Club, Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs Church, and, just last month, Stoneman Douglas – all fatal shootings we’ve heard and read about,… Read More
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Should I Allow Jurors to Ask Questions of Witnesses?
On more than one occasion, I’ve been in court when the judge asked counsel if they would like to allow jurors to submit any questions for witnesses following their testimony. In most cases, judges have indicated they would allow juror… Read More
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What Do Jury Consulting Services Cost when on a Budget?
Think your case is too small for a jury consultant? Think again. There are jury consulting services available for every budget. While the cost estimates vary by case and jurisdiction, the discrete services described below are generally listed from least… Read More