Sound Jury Blog

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

During mock trials and in trial postmortems, attorneys seem especially angry about jurors “not understanding the case,” “not applying the law,” and/or “ignoring (forgetting) critical evidence.” While it’s likely an obvious list, it’s a list that is often ignored or forgotten – a bit like much of the evidence in trial.

Witnesses 52

Witnesses Evidence Jury Instructions Opening Statement 52

Jury Analyst

JULY 17, 2023

In the previous articles of our series on confirmation bias, aka perception bias , in the legal system, we explored the profound impact of confirmation bias on jury selection and decision-making processes. By this point, it should be clear that once we hold a belief, we are naturally inclined to notice only evidence that supports it.

Jury Selection 40

Jury Selection Voir Dire Jury Instructions Objections 40

Jury Analyst

JULY 17, 2023

In the previous articles of our series on confirmation bias, aka Perception Bias in the legal system, we explored the profound impact of confirmation bias on jury selection and decision-making processes. Based on what we know of human psychology, it is not likely they will revise their theory based on the disconfirming evidence.

Jury Selection 40

Jury Selection Voir Dire Jury Instructions Objections 40

Jury Analyst

JULY 17, 2023

In the previous articles of our series on confirmation bias, aka Perception Bias in the legal system, we explored the profound impact of confirmation bias on jury selection and decision-making processes. Based on what we know of human psychology, it is not likely they will revise their theory based on the disconfirming evidence.

Jury Selection 40

Jury Selection Voir Dire Jury Instructions Objections 40

Jury Analyst

AUGUST 7, 2024

Trial lawyers are keenly aware of how crucial a role that the composition of a jury plays in determining the outcome of a trial. In order for the legal process to successfully uphold the ideal of a defendants right to a fair trial, jurors must evaluate the evidence that informs the verdict in a fair and impartial manner.

Jury Selection 40

Jury Selection Voir Dire Litigation Evidence 40

Plaintiff Trial Lawyer Tips

NOVEMBER 17, 2024

The reality is that a jury, following the jury instructions can find significant negligent conduct they object to, but conclude it did not cause the harm plaintiff is complaining about. Here are some thoughts about doing that There is a distinct connection of thought between evidence of cause and circumstantial evidence.

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Burden Of Proof Jury Instructions Jury Selection Evidence 183

E-Discovery LLC

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Plaintiff seeks limited discovery regarding the missing documents and a negative inference jury instruction regarding the contents of Vanderpool’s and Dupree’s personnel files and the missing emails. Willfullness” is a slightly lesser standard. at *3 (citations and quotations omitted; cleaned up).

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Burden Of Proof Evidence Discovery Litigation 130

Evidence at Trial

NOVEMBER 27, 2021

Beyond knowing the mechanics of the rules of evidence, effective advocates use the rules as weapons of persuasion. Equally important is the ability to adjust to the constantly changing landscape of admitted and excluded evidence. If a key piece of evidence is excluded, pivoting to "Plan B" is essential. Last month's Strobel v.

Evidence 52

Evidence Witnesses Jury Instructions Objections 52

Jury Analyst

MAY 22, 2024

A juror tasked with objective deliberation and verdict issuance based on evidence presented in court embodies the foundational aspect of a fair trial. Untangling the Concept of Jury Misconduct Jury misconduct occurs when jurors breach the legal standards set by federal or state courts, potentially impacting the fairness of a trial.

Evidence 40

Evidence Jury Deliberation Jury Selection Jury Instructions 40

Jury Analyst

MAY 22, 2024

A juror tasked with objective deliberation and verdict issuance based on evidence presented in court embodies the foundational aspect of a fair trial. Untangling the Concept of Jury Misconduct Jury misconduct occurs when jurors breach the legal standards set by federal or state courts, potentially impacting the fairness of a trial.

Evidence 40

Evidence Jury Deliberation Jury Selection Jury Instructions 40

Temple University Beasley School of Law - Advocacy

MARCH 30, 2025

The single most frequent grounds for counsel’s ineffectiveness is counsel’s failure to investigate and present mitigating evidence relating to his client’s background, upbringing, and mental health. Convicted of murder and sentenced to death, the sentence was overturned because of a jury instruction error by the judge.

Evidence 49

Evidence Jury Instructions Litigation Objections 49

Practice of Law

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

An Overeager Judge On February 14, 2022, while the jury was still deliberating, Judge Rakoff ruled in favor of the defendants, under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50. He concluded that no reasonable jury could find actual malice by clear and convincing evidence.

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Jury Instructions Evidence Jury Deliberation Admissibility 45