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Full-Text Articles in Law
The Role Of "Stories" In Civil Jury Judgments, Reid Hastie
The Role Of "Stories" In Civil Jury Judgments, Reid Hastie
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
A brief review of psychological theories of juror decision making is followed by an introduction to "explanation-based" theories of judgment. Prior empirical studies of explanation-based processes in juror decision making are then reviewed. An original empirical study of jurors' judgments concerning liability for punitive damages is presented to illustrate the explanation-based approach to civil decisions.
Jury Trial Techniques In Complex Civil Litigation, Ronald S. Longhofer
Jury Trial Techniques In Complex Civil Litigation, Ronald S. Longhofer
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Ronald Longhofer, an experienced litigator, discusses the challenges inherent in trying a complex civil case to a jury. He explores aspects of complex litigation that often impede jurors from effectively hearing such cases. In conclusion, he suggests litigation techniques which have proved successful in overcoming such obstacles and effectively translating complex evidence to jurors.
The Arizona Jury Reform Permitting Civil Jury Trial Discussions: The Views Of Trial Participants, Judges, And Jurors, Valerie P. Hans, Paula L. Hannaford, G. Thomas Munslerman
The Arizona Jury Reform Permitting Civil Jury Trial Discussions: The Views Of Trial Participants, Judges, And Jurors, Valerie P. Hans, Paula L. Hannaford, G. Thomas Munslerman
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
In 1995, the Arizona Supreme Court reformed the jury trial process by allowing civil jurors to discuss the evidence presented during trial prior to their formal deliberations. This Article examines and evaluates the theoretical, legal, and policy issues raised by this reform and presents the early results of afield experiment that tested the impact of trial discussions. Jurors, judges, attorneys, and litigants in civil jury trials in Arizona were questioned regarding their observations, experiences, and reactions during trial as well as what they perceived to be the benefits and drawback of juror discussions. The data revealed that the majority of …
Jury Trials In The Heartland, Stephen E. Chappelear
Jury Trials In The Heartland, Stephen E. Chappelear
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
In this Article, Stephen Chappelear draws on his study of civil jury trials in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Columbus, Ohio. He concludes that trial by jury results in justice. Despite the popular belief that juries are modern day Robin Hoods, empirical data suggests that their verdicts are lower than commonly believed.
Creating A Seamless Transition From Jury Box To Jury Room For More Effective Decision Making, Annie King Phillips
Creating A Seamless Transition From Jury Box To Jury Room For More Effective Decision Making, Annie King Phillips
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Why am I writing here? I am not a judge or lawyer, and I may never be. I don't even play one on TV. In searching for an answer to this question, it came to mind that at sometime in everyone's life, there is a need to enter the court system-as a victim, offender, witness, court staff or juror. The interactions among these persons impact the effective administration of justice in our court system. Every two years for the past eighteen years (like the tick of a clock), I am summoned to jury duty at either the District of Columbia …
Financing Plaintiffs' Lawsuits: An Increasingly Popular (And Legal) Business, Susan Lorde Martin
Financing Plaintiffs' Lawsuits: An Increasingly Popular (And Legal) Business, Susan Lorde Martin
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
In the late eighties and early nineties there were a few publicized cases in which the plaintiffs invited investors to finance their litigation in exchange for a share of the awards if the plaintiffs won. This kind of arrangement provides access to the justice system which might otherwise be denied impecunious plaintiffs with meritorious claims. The problem with this kind of arrangement is that it is champerty, which is prohibited in most states. This Article discusses Massachusetts' recent rejection of the champerty prohibition, the expansion of exceptions to the prohibition in this country and others, and the emergence of firms …