A PRIMARY CONCERN OF MODERN JURORS IS SAFETY

A PRIMARY CONCERN OF MODERN JURORS IS SAFETY

The factors that influence people serving on juries have changed as a result of COVID-19 and media coverage of national politics. Trial lawyers should be aware of the studies and research documenting these changes of influence in their jury selection preparation. One motivating factor, in particular, that stands out for the majority of juror groups is concern for safety. In an article “The Rise of Safety’s Is Influencing Verdicts” https://imslegal.com/articles/safetyism-influencing-verdicts, it is pointed out: “With technological and medical advances, humans…

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GREAT TRIAL LAWYERS HAVE A “PEOPLE” FRAME OF MIND

GREAT TRIAL LAWYERS HAVE A “PEOPLE” FRAME OF MIND

Law school students are generally focused on achieving grades that they hope will ensure a position with a law firm after graduation. As a result, they approach the study of law intellectually. They learn legal principles and how to analyze issues legally in their studies. In addition, they verbalize their intellectual understanding in school. As a result of this background, when they begin the practice of law they approach trial from a legalistic viewpoint, over-try their cases, and generally talk…

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A $50 MILLION DOLLAR CUP OF TEA & THE $2 & 3 BILLION DOLLAR JURY VERDICTS

A $50 MILLION DOLLAR CUP OF TEA & THE $2 & 3 BILLION DOLLAR JURY VERDICTS

On February 8th this year, twenty-five-year-old delivery driver Michael Garcia pulled into a Starbucks drive-through in Southern Los Angeles and ordered three cups of hot tea. The Starbucks barista passed the order to him through the window in a cardboard drink carrier. The Starbucks security camera shows that within less than two seconds, an improperly secured cup in the tray with 180-degree tea toppled over into his lap, causing a second cup to do the same. The tea spill caused…

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