NCJ Number
141578
Journal
Trial Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1993) Pages: 114-122
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
While much of a lawyer's ability to communicate with a jury is innate, knowledge in this area can be acquired through years of experience, and communications skills can be honed with practice.
Abstract
To establish empathy with the potential members of a jury for the first time in voir dire, try to look at them individually and talk to them in a conversational manner. Tell the panel what aspect of the case will make it most difficult for them to be fair. This type of interchange will successfully plant the seeds of mutual respect and rapport. Voir dire's first objective must be to establish early contact with the jury. The opening statement should convey the theme that the lawyer wants the juror to carry with them for the duration of the trial. Again, eye contact with each juror should be made. In terms of witnesses, the lawyer must help prepare the testimony, pay attention to the vibes the witness will send the jury, and explore the witness's weak points in direct examination. In the closing statement, the lawyer should return to his theme and appeal to the jurors' values