Jury Consultants

Heading into a criminal trial can feel terrifying.  Your future will be in the hands of a judge and up to a dozen strangers.  What will they think of you? How will their life experiences play into their view of the case against you?  These are important questions—questions that are often studied by jury consultants.

What are Jury Consultants? 

Jury consultants are people with backgrounds in the social sciences, communication, law, and linguistics. They hold degrees ranging from bachelor’s to Juris Doctor. They are employed to engage with a range of issues related to jury selection. Consultants can play a major role in conducting research, identifying desirable prospective jurors, preparing witnesses for the stand, and responding to the inevitable twists and turns that occur in any major criminal trial.

Research 

In some cases, the attention is spent on research. That could include mock trials, online research related to potential jurors, and consultations with clients to develop themes and to address potential issues with evidence.

Jury Selection

Many consultants have a courtroom presence and participate in actual jury selection. Prior to Voir Dire, or jury selection, consultants work with attorneys on how to make the first impression on potential jurors. They may assist in developing questions that help to determine the ideal jurors for their case.

Witness Preparation 

A primary job for many consultants is to help to prepare witnesses. This is particularly helpful, considering the average person has never been in a courtroom, let alone had to testify and be cross examined. In addition to preparing witnesses for the basic routines and expectations in court, consultants can assist with issues like what to wear, what demeanor to present, and how to communicate effectively.

Jury Monitoring 

Throughout the trial, many consultants continue to monitor witnesses.  Who is credible? Who is not very likable?  These are all things that can influence the strategy and direction of the defense team.

Can’t Trial Lawyers do All That?

 Of course, in many situations there is a legal team in place to take care of all of this. Nonetheless, some clients may wish to engage the services of a jury consultant to have another pair of trained eyes on the case. High profile cases in the past have made use of these specialists, including O.J. Simpson, Scott Peterson, Bill Cosby, and Kyle Rittenhouse. And in the current criminal proceedings against Donald Trump, a well-known jury consultant has been employed.

The Best Fit for You 

The experienced and dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys at Lobo Law always put forth a vigorous defense, aiming for the best possible outcomes for our clients.  To discuss the particulars of your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Las Vegas office today.

Source:

msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-trial-jury-consultants-rcna148637