Now more than ever, information is at our fingertips.  While the benefits of this are many, one potential downside has become apparent in the legal system.  The law assures defendants the right to an “impartial” jury.  However, the sheer amount of information available through the rapidly expanding use of technology means that jurors are increasingly […] The post Bill Cosby and Jury Bias: Can Jurors Recognize Their Own Biases? appeared first on Litigation Insights.

Parts I and II of this series explained how and why jurors’ communication styles – and, accordingly, their responses to trial graphics – are changing with the influx of new media.  Now we’ll tell you what you can do about it. By sticking to the fundamentals and making tweaks with the modern juror in mind, […] The post New Media’s Impact, Part III: Tweaking Your Graphics for the Modern Juror appeared first on Litigation Insights.

When we design a mock trial – where jurors are read instructions and deliberate to a verdict form – we concentrate on presenting the case facts, witnesses, and evidence in a way that will impact jurors’ story of the case similarly to a “real life” trial.  As such, we typically wait until after jurors hear […] The post Commitment Effects: Does Asking Verdict Questions Early Commit Mock Jurors to a Position? Part I appeared first on Litigation Insights.

Your trial graphics do not live in a vacuum.  Their success is based solely on their effectiveness with the audience – your jurors.  Of course, no two jurors are exactly alike; their needs and wants are a moving target.  So how can our graphics possibly meet the communication expectations of every juror?  One valuable way […] The post New Media’s Impact on Jurors – Part II appeared first on Litigation Insights.

Part I Jurors: Then vs. Now Your trial graphics do not live in a vacuum.  Their success is based solely on their effectiveness with the audience – your jurors.  Of course, no two jurors are exactly alike; their needs and wants are a moving target.  So how can our graphics possibly meet the communication expectations […] The post New Media’s Impact on Jurors (and How Your Trial Graphics Should Respond) appeared first on Litigation Insights.

When defending personal injury cases, countering the plaintiff’s arguments of harm and causation is often complicated by the need to teach jurors complex case facts, science, and unfamiliar terminology – all while showing grisly exhibits and dealing with a potentially sympathetic jury. There are plenty of hurdles to clear: How do you help the jury […] The post Defending Personal Injury Cases with Engaging Graphics appeared first on Litigation Insights.

Most jurors are employed, either as contractors, employees, or self-employed.  What are their workplace concerns these days?  Do they feel protected?  Do they believe their pay is fair? Understanding how jurors’ employment needs and concerns have changed (or not changed) is critical in assessing the risks in your employment litigation.  Will jurors identify with the […] The post What’s on Employees’ Minds? Employee Rights, Pay, & Government Regulation appeared first on Litigation Insights.

While you can’t bank your whole case on a short video clip, the presence of “hard” video evidence jurors can see with their own eyes is much more persuasive than being told what happened.  (Especially when they’re being told by two different lawyers or experts with opposing motives and viewpoints.) To that extent, jurors really […] The post Defending Premise Liability Cases with Video Surveillance Footage appeared first on Litigation Insights.

When working on trial strategy with a client, it is almost inevitable that he or she will ask, “What analogy can I use to help the jury understand X?”  Then, the trial attorneys, in-house counsel, and anyone else in the room will begin tossing around various analogies – most of which sound like great ideas […] The post What Analogies Can I Use to Explain My Case to a Jury? appeared first on Litigation Insights.

The importance of adding a visual component in the courtroom cannot be understated. Our research shows that comprehension and retention of trial themes is enhanced by the incorporation of effective visuals. Well-designed demonstratives can reinforce your case themes, reduce case ambiguities, and ensure consistency, coherence, and comprehension of your message. With so many variables, ideas, […] The post Trial Graphics: Top Six Ways to Get More Out of a Limited Budget appeared first on Litigation Insights.