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ARTICLE · 06 FEBRUARY 2023

Priming The Jury For Trial Success

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
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January 23, 2023 - Jury selection or voir dire is the critical first step in preventing shock verdicts and the inevitable terrible headlines. Voir dire, a French term meaning "to speak the truth,"...

United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
E. Stratton Horres Jr.
E. Stratton Horres Jr.
Karen L. Bashor
Karen L. Bashor
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January 23, 2023 - Jury selection or voir dire is the critical first step in preventing shock verdicts and the inevitable terrible headlines. Voir dire, a French term meaning "to speak the truth," is the process through which potential jurors from the venire or pool are questioned to determine their suitability for jury service. In this era of social inflation and polarization, we consider it the single most important phase of any trial, as these jurors will determine the client's fate and control the shock value of any verdict.

Priming the pump by questioning the panel

What is priming? This technique is used by counsel during voir dire to help advance their client's cause in unconscious ways.

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