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Mock Trials - Trial Strategy, Juror Opinons, Jury Verdicts |
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Mock trials are structured, argumentative case presentations in which attorneys present both sides of the case. The trial simulations can be conducted in abbreviated, half-day, full-day or multi-day sessions depending on the goals of the research. Mock trials are designed to assist the trial team in developing creative and useful approaches to settling or trying the case based on juror opinions and verdicts. In the event that settlement talks are not successful, we make recommendations that are useful in developing an effective and persuasive case presentation at trial.
Mock trials are ideal for testing:
- Trial strategy, themes and arguments.
- Potential tactics, techniques, evidentiary strategies.
- Reactions of jurors to expert and lay witnesses.
- Comprehension of demonstrative evidence.
- Reactions to attorney presentation and demeanor.
Our Mock Trial Services Include:
- Recruitment/Screening of Participants. While recruitment can be conducted by a market research agency, screening individuals for legal research participation requires being alert to issues unique to the field. For example, participants must be screened for characteristics or beliefs that would likely remove them for cause had they been a part of a jury venire. Our research scientists, trained in screening and interview techniques as well as detection of deception, conduct participant recruitment and screening to ensure that quality mock jurors are enrolled in the study. By conducting recruitment in-house, less case information has to be shared with third parties, allowing greater security of confidential information. Care is taken to ensure that participant demographics are matched to those of the trial venue and all participants are jury-eligible, and thus representative of the individuals who are likely to be impaneled on the actual case.
- Questionnaire Construction. After meeting with the attorney(s) on the case to determine the expected case specific-issues likely to affect juror perceptions, our consultants develop semi-structured questionnaires tapping juror personality, experience, and attitudes relevant to the unique aspects of each case. Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected and psychometrically sound scales are administered to allow comparison of individual responses to existing norms on the measures.
- Data Analysis. Mock juror verbal and written responses during the presentation and deliberation segments of the research project are analyzed by a social scientist. The data are interpreted based on a combination of applied empirical research and psychological expertise.
- Report Writing. A report is constructed by our consultants which includes: the findings and interpretations of the research; recommendations for favorable settlement positions or case presentation; voir dire strategies and questions; and any case-specific information requested by the attorney or trial team.
Mock trials can give you the leverage you need in negotiations for settlement. Having assessed the impact of damages arguments on a group of mock jurors representative of the jury pool, you can approach negotiations or case presentation with empirically sound information as well as your sharpest legal arguments.
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