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ALL THINGS JURY: Witness likeability equals credibility
8/5/2009 9:30 AM By R. Robert Samples
CHARLESTON -- One subject that I haven't addressed to any significant degree in this column is the credibility of witnesses at trial and during depositions.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Making the case for trial consultants
7/23/2009 9:00 AM By R. Robert Samples
CHARLESTON -- There are many reasons for litigators to seek qualified trial consultants to assist them with case strategy and jury selection.

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ALL THINGS JURY: The 'better' jury panel
6/23/2009 2:41 PM By R. Robert Samples
I'm often asked about potential legal reforms that could be made to improve the quality of jury panels. This, invariably, causes me to consider the type of jurors most of us would want on a panel if we were on trial. Yes, I think first from a defensive perspective as I believe most people would if they consider this issue in detail.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Trial consulting for workplace lawsuits
6/11/2009 9:45 AM
One of the fastest growing concerns for businesses is the potential liability of employee harassment and discrimination lawsuits. In these politically correct times, workplace lawsuits have grown greatly in terms of both quantity and potential monetary damages.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Thoughts on witness preparation
5/28/2009 9:20 AM By R. Robert Samples
CHARLESTON -- Preparing witnesses for depositions and trials is a common tool utilized during litigation. The goal of these efforts is to help the witness tell their story in a straightforward, understandable fashion. It is NOT a method to change any facts or elements of the witness' testimony.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Predicting monetary awards
5/13/2009 9:30 AM By R. Robert Samples
In past columns I have stated that the most difficult -- and least effective -- use of jury research is trying to determine potential monetary damages.

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ALL THINGS JURY: What makes a good alternative research venue?
4/24/2009 7:35 AM By R. Robert Samples -Kanawha Bureau
CHARLESTON -- The best jury research replicates the actual trial situation as closely as possible. Unfortunately, conducting surveys, focus groups and mock trials in the actual trial venue often has significant downside.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Does popular culture impact juries?
4/9/2009 8:15 AM By R. Robert Samples
CHARLESTON -- In previous columns I have described factors that influence jurors. These factors have included group dynamics whereby people influence each other and individual lifestyle and values that affect juror opinions.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Understanding jury deliberations ... from psychology to sociology
3/20/2009 7:40 AM By R. Robert Samples
CHARLESTON -- The primary task for jury consultants analyzing the jury deliberation process is to move from a psychological to a sociological focus. This is accomplished in several ways.

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ALL THINGS JURY: Research without bias
3/3/2009 7:30 PM By R. Robert Samples
One of the issues that I confront on a regular basis is accusations that our jury research is biased. That is, either plaintiff counsel or defense counsel claims that our research has a particular agenda. They sometimes claim our agenda reflects our client's position in a particular case. My response ... huh?

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