Until we have prepared our arguments, we will not know what type of juror will most likely accept our theory of your case. Essentially, this is the same concept as using mock (rehearsal) juries and focus groups as we will be “testing our theory” on certain individuals to determine which type best associates with our theory.

A catalogue of areas and issues to be covered on voir dire depends on the acts of the case. We will explore every relevant topic necessary to make an enlightened decision about whom to eliminate from the jury panel. For example, we always prepare questions that divulge and deal with the weak points of a case.

CHECKLIST
We prepare a checklist of desirable and undesirable traits in our prospective jurors that would tend to make them more or less likely to identify with and accept our theory of the case.

CONSULTANTS
Sometimes we use jury consultants. “The primary purpose of hiring a jury consultant is to help uncover hidden bias of potential jurors. Because preemptory challenges are limited, lawyers may be unsure about some of those questioned. The job of jury consultants is to give attorneys the criteria necessary for the ideal jury for their clients and to assist in determining what biases do not fit that criteria.” Source: US Legal Court article

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1. We as the question, “What kind of people will be sympathetic (or hostile( to our client’s position, to the circumstances of our client’s life and our client’s key witnesses?”
2. We also ask, “What kind of people are likely to prefer us and our client and which are likely to prefer our opponent?”

WE AVOID STEREOTYPES
We don’t rely on one particular factor and in particular, we do not rely on stereotypes.
To learn about the way we prepare for questioning a jury panel, please go to our next section in this series at How We Prepare Questions to Ask the Entire Jury Panel

Whether you think your Tennessee or Georgia personal injury case will settle or you need to go to trial, Dennis & Winningham Law’s award winning trial attorneys are ready to help you. Our initial consultations are always free and we will tell you if we think we can settle your case or you need to take your case to trial. We’ve advised thousands of happy clients on whether to take an insurance settlement offer or go to trial, so put our experience to work for you. You can reach us at (423) 892-5533 or fill out one of chat forms. We can help, even if you don’t hire us.