NCJ Number
151714
Journal
Trial Volume: 30 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 42-47,117
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Focus groups can help lawyers obtain a jury perspective on the evidence they are preparing for trial.
Abstract
Usually organized by professional jury consultants, focus groups can help prepare witnesses for trial, weigh the case's strengths and weaknesses and evaluate the theory on which it is based, determine what the jury will see as fair damages, and help clients recognize problems with their case, focus groups can include friends and employees, but should also use outsiders who are objective about the case. One law firm uses old jury lists to recruit participants for focus groups. This article discusses some of the logistical details of implementing a focus group, and compares the advantages and drawbacks of hiring outside jury consultants or creating in-house focus groups.