Jury selection is an incredibly important component of any trial. Yet, it is the one area that is probably given the least amount of attention in terms of preparation.
In this course trial consultant Bryan Edelman uses his background in social psychology to give you tips on how to conduct a more effective voir dire. Dr. Edelman analyzes the courtroom experience from the perspective of the juror, provides a voir dire checklist, and teaches you how to score jurors on important attributes so you can exercise your peremptory challenges efficiently. Further topics of discussion include jury selection basics, preparing for jury selection, pre-instructing the jury, what makes a good juror, developing juror profiles, web surveys, juror scoring systems, rating jurors, the ‘six pack’ and good & bad questions to ask potential jurors.
Dr. Edelman began working as a trial consultant in 1998. He has worked on numerous criminal and civil cases. As a consultant, he applies his training in social psychology, persuasion, group dynamics and social cognition to the courtroom. His particular area of expertise is in complex litigation where jurors are most likely to rely on their prior attitudes, life experiences and heuristics to process evidence and reach conclusions. Dr. Edelman has served as a presenter at national and international conferences and has written several articles. He recently published a book Racial Prejudice, Juror Empathy & Sentencing in Death Penalty Cases details the effects of in-group identification and empathy on jurors’ sentencing decisions in capital cases.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law | Employment Law | Family Law | Intellectual Property | Personal Injury | Real Property | Trusts and Estates
State Accreditations: California (CA)