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Category: Jury Selection

GERRY SPENCE ON HOW TO CONDUCT VOIR DIRE

GERRY SPENCE ON HOW TO CONDUCT VOIR DIRE

The following  is a talk given eighteen years ago in 1986 by Gerry Spence. It was given at the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and South Texas Law School of Law “Seminar of the Century.” I’m reprinting the original transcript without editing. While it is lengthy it contains vital truths about jury selection done right. From the start of the Trial College I had the privilege of teaching each year with Gerry and other great lawyers. This is an illustration of…

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ANOTHER LOOK AT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TELL THE JURY DURING VOIR DIRE THE AMOUNT YOU WILL ASK FOR AS A VERDICT

ANOTHER LOOK AT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TELL THE JURY DURING VOIR DIRE THE AMOUNT YOU WILL ASK FOR AS A VERDICT

There are jurisdictions where a plaintiff is not entitled to tell the jury the amount they will ask for as a verdict. But, in those states where it is allowed, should you disclose the amount in voir dire? Or wait until opening statement? Or wait for summation or perhaps not suggest a figure and allow them to decide? I’ve written about this before. See: https://plaintifftriallawyertips.com/does-the-amount-you-ask-for-as-a-verdict-effect-the-result Some experienced plaintiff lawyers believe that it is too early to disclose the amount in…

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