JURY CONSULTING

CSI’s scientific approach yields more insightful jury selection.

CSI begins with a jury profile.

CSI's scientific jury selection (and deselection) services typically begin with the development of a profile of the most and least favorable juror characteristics. While this profile often is the result of ongoing trial research, we just as often develop a profile based on prior experience with similar cases. Additionally, CSI's neuro-psychologists advise on specific techniques to neutralize reptile tactics in the courtroom.

The profile is used to guide the development of a juror questionnaire as well as lines of inquiry voir dire and opening statements.

CSI LEADERSHIP

Who coined the term 'stealth juror'?

CSI researchers were the first to develop the term “Stealth Juror”, a term now featured on Wikipedia. The term refers to people who are motivated by a hidden agenda and attempt to be seated on a jury for the purpose of influencing the outcome. Psychology-based jury selection consultants can detect such characters before they are seated.

Know your audience.

Popular opinions suggest that demographics are the principal consideration during jury selection. In reality, demographics are not predictive of jury orientation. Research indicates that other, less obvious, factors including attitudes, beliefs, life experiences and personality greatly influence how a juror will respond to the case narrative, evidence and witnesses.

While trial attorneys consider potential jurors’ bias or personal affiliations, CSI’s trial consultants apply psychometric methodology to more fully assess juror profiles before the case goes to trial. Our proven research protocols and interview techniques provide valuable knowledge of the preexisting psychological determinants of how the case will be construed – helping counsel to compose the optimal audience.

Learn more

Venue Surveys

A well-designed community attitude survey, conducted in a difficult venue, is often pivotal in identifying potential juror attitudes and perceptions. These surveys provide valuable data about the venue where your case is filed and is often instrumental in developing an ideal/non-ideal juror profile for jury selection. Practical results obtained from such research can also provide a valuable tool for developing a successful voir dire strategy or change of venue.

Voir Dire Development

CSI partners with trial counsel to formulate a methodical voir dire that encompasses issues such as prejudice, bias and deep knowledge of contested topics, but also behavioral cues observed by CSI jury consultants during voir dire questioning.

Mirror Juries^®

Once jury selection is complete, CSI often assembles a mirror jury comprised of individuals whose backgrounds mirror those of the actual jurors. As the case progresses, CSI interviews the mirror jury to surmise how the actual jury is perceiving the case themes, evidence and witnesses that have been presented. Armed with this additional insight, trial teams can adjust their approach on the fly.

Post-Trial Interviews

Interviewing the jury panel immediately after an actual trial lets a trial team “look into the jury room” and gain vital insights into how and why jurors arrived at their verdicts. These interviews are conducted by CSI consultants and reveal pivotal information about witnesses, attorney presentations, significant evidence, and jurors’ problem-solving strategies. Acquiring juror insights following the actual trial is particularly important when there is pattern or serial litigation pending.

Did you know CSI's Litigation Support team arranges court reporters and videographers to record mock trial and focus group sessions?

These auxiliary services provide an interactive record of the research-based events that can be referenced repeatedly as the case progresses. Your private CSINet repository stores transcripts and synchronized videos from these events in standard formats for easy review.