Does Politics Play a Role in the Jury Room?
Two recent cases highlight how a person’s political affiliation — among other things — can affect what happens in the jury room. Recently, a jury in Wichita Falls acquitted a man (in 18 minutes, no less) on a charge of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce. Translation? He was found not-guilty of threatening a... Read More
Is COVID Warping the Jury Pool?
Whether your jury trial is happening in person or virtually, chances are COVID has had a profound impact on your case before either side gives Opening Statements. In a recent story by Westlaw’s Jenna Greene, she spoke with several jury consultants (including me) about the effect the pandemic has had on jurors. I told her that when... Read More
What’s It Like to Try an In-Person Jury Trial During the COVID Pandemic?
During a brief window of time — before the most recent surge in COVID-19 cases — I had the good fortune to be a member of a trial team that held an in-person jury trial in the Eastern District of Texas. Fortunately, nobody involved in our case contracted the disease, but that good luck did... Read More
CourtroomLogic Consulting LLC Receives ‘Top Jury Consultant’ Honors
For the tenth year, CourtroomLogic Consulting has landed a spot on Texas Lawyer’s list of the best service providers to the legal profession, as voted by the publication’s readers in its annual survey. Founded by veteran jury consultant Kacy Miller, CourtroomLogic is celebrating another consecutive year as the top choice for attorneys in Dallas and Austin.... Read More
Kudos to Hint Health and Carrington Coleman on ‘David vs. Goliath’ Win
Congratulations to our clients Hint Health Inc. and their counsel Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal on the decisive verdict in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on Sept. 30. After a two-week jury trial in U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant’s court, a panel of 8 jurors unanimously exonerated San Francisco-based Hint Health,... Read More
How to Get Jurors to Obey the Judge’s Instructions
We are a nation hopelessly addicted to a constant flow of information, from the important to the trivial, continuously streamed to us through our little glowing devices. Think back to the last time you were on an airplane and were told to shut down your laptop and put your cell phone on airplane mode. You,... Read More
Who’s the ‘Ideal’ Juror? Often, It Comes Down to Finding the ‘Least Bad’ One
Remember the college admissions scandal with the Hollywood elite? The writers of “Bull” used it as fodder for this week’s episode, “Quid Pro Quo,” only the alleged bribe occurred 10 years ago. Dr. Samir Shadid, a respected New York heart surgeon, is accused of bribing his way into college. He’s arrested just moments after performing... Read More
Going to Trial Is Always a Gamble, Even for ‘Bull’
In this week’s episode, “Behind the Ivy,” 16-year-old Antonio Garcia is worried about “making weight” for his wrestling competition. He’s three pounds over his class and has five hours to shed the excess. His coach says, “You know what you gotta do.” And he does. Four hours later, Antonio is running behind the team van... Read More
‘Bull’ Case Highlights Importance of Witness Prep
Testifying is stressful, regardless of topic. But when it’s about something personal, the witness requires even more intensive coaching to stay composed. Nothing says Happy New Year like a “Bull” episode with a predictably ridiculous happy ending. This week’s episode, “Look Back in Anger,” involves a civil trial alleging sexual abuse of a minor during... Read More
Bull’s Courtroom Behavior Puts Him on Judge’s Naughty List
This week’s episode, “Imminent Danger,” involves stalking, a murder charge, and of course, a jury trial. Erin Flemming believes her ex-boyfriend, Garrett Kurtz, is stalking her. Creepy things keep happening with her electronics (photos pop up on her work computer, her thermostat randomly jumps to 107 degrees in the middle of the night, etc.) and... Read More