LAW 958LEC - Choosing a Jury

Turn the TV to any high profile case and you will see jury consultants and experts critiquing the jury and selection process. It is becoming chic for attorneys to pawn off the voir dire to non-lawyers or to be assisted in their jury selection. Defense attorneys who once relied on their instincts are now realizing that a poorly picked jury is more harmful to their case than a murder weapon with fingerprints. This course will eradicate the notion that when picking a jury, an attorney is looking for fair and impartial people. A practiced attorney is trying to find people who will be receptive to his/her theory of the case. You will learn how to recognize favorable jurors, persuade some jurors and mold others. We will highlight the skills necessary to conduct a meaningful and constructive criminal jury selection given the time limitation of 20 minutes imposed by many State Courts. You will learn to become your own jury expert. Through case scenarios and simulations, students will learn what to say, what not to say, and most importantly, how to say it. Students will learn when to use a peremptory challenge and how to effectively execute cause challenges. The course will be comprised mostly of role playing and learning through example. Students will deal with the applicable law, the psychology of behavior and even a little bit of acting. Using fact patterns based on actual trial cases, students will simulate the roles of defense counsel, prosecution and prospective juror in order to gain a practical understanding of the theories of voir dire. Student performances will be critiqued by both instructor and students and, along with class participation, will form the basis for grading.

Credits: 1