Voir Dire Consultation
Magnus provides various Voir Dire Services for the critical jury selection portion of the trial process. Often, Magnus’ trial consultants are present at trial for jury selection. In more limited engagements, the trial consultant prepares voir dire questions based on a review of the case.
Jury Selection/Development Of Voir Dire Questions
The perspective of a trial consultant compliments that of the trial attorney during jury selection. Having a trial consultant present allows the attorney to focus on asking the questions and interacting with prospective jurors. The trial consultant observes the responses, as well as reactions from other potential jurors to help the attorney with challenges for cause and strikes. Dr. Melissa Pigott, Magnus’ founding partner, has consulted in court during jury selection on well over 200 cases nationwide. Magnus prepares case specific voir dire questions to elicit maximum information from the venire. The questions are prepared based on variables which social science research, and our experience, have shown to correlate with verdict. Magnus’ voir dire consultation maximizes the chances of empaneling the most favorable group of jurors. Voir dire questions are included in the written reports of Magnus’ mock trial research methodologies.
Development Of Voir Dire Questions
Magnus is available to prepare voir dire questions on a stand alone basis. This involves a review of case documents by the trial consultant as well as discussions with the trial attorney. The questions are prepared based on the over 30 years of experience of the lead trial consultant and the questions are formatted to elicit as much information as possible during the voir dire process.
Juror Profiling
Optimally, juror profiling is undertaken using the data from a Community Attitude Survey (See details under the Issue Evaluation Research Methodologies services). Magnus’ Juror Profiling service provides a statistical means for juror selection decisions. Through computerized statistical analysis of the responses of jury eligible citizens in the trial venue, profiles of persons likely to be favorably, or unfavorably, predisposed to the case at hand are developed. Voir dire questions are structured around profiles of plaintiff oriented and defense oriented jurors. On a more limited basis, juror profiles are often included in the reports from Magnus’ mock trial research methodologies.
Supplemental Juror Questionnaire
Supplemental Juror Questionnaires (SJQs) are utilized during the voir dire process when the case involves sensitive or high profile issues. SJQs permit prospective jurors to reveal personal experiences and attitudes privately, to obtain more honest responses than public statements made in open court. To prepare a SJQ, Magnus’ trial consultants review case documents and, most often, the results of jury focus group or mock trial research. The trial consultant and trial attorney must work together to ensure that the survey fits the parameters set forth by the trial court for the use of the SJQ.
Voir Dire Workshop
A Voir Dire Workshop is a focus group that allows the trial attorney to sharpen his or his voir dire skills and rehearse for upcoming trial(s). In preparation for a Voir Dire Workshop, Magnus trial consultant reviews case materials and prepares voir dire questions. A panel of jury eligible citizens is assembled and the attorney conducts a voir dire. Real time feedback is provided to the attorney, via side bar type discussions, to strengthen the attorney’s jury selection skills. This service can be used by individual attorneys or as law firm training; it is certified for CLE credit in Florida.
and are registered trademarks of Magnus Research Consultants, Inc. Magnus provides Trial Consulting or Jury Consulting services for attorneys and litigants in civil lawsuits and criminal litigation. Magnus’ trial consultant services include mock trials, focus groups, online mock trials, online focus groups, online research, virtual mock jury, attitude surveys, witness preparation, jury selection/voir dire consultation, demonstrative evidence, animations, and trial presentation services. Jury research, mediations, mock bench trials, mock mediations, and mock arbitrations assist litigators and their clients by providing risk analysis for cases and evaluating case strategy options to maximize trial outcomes. Magnus is a Florida-based trial consulting firm (working in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, etc.), providing services nationwide.