Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law

actual jurors in the case. At the end of each day, the trial

consultant meets with the shadow jurors to discuss

what has been presented at trial that day as well as to

date and to gather their perceptions of the strength of

each side’s case and their reactions to particular wit-

nesses, evidence, exhibits, attorney tactics and presen-

tation styles, and anything else of interest to the trial

team. This information is then provided to the trial team

before trial recommences the next day, which allows

them to adjust trial strategy based on the feedback.

PPoossttttrriiaall JJuurroorr IInntteerrvviieewwss

To understand the ultimate verdict in a case, attor-

neys often desire to meet with jurors after trial and

talk with them about the case and the jury delibera-

tion. This information can provide attorneys feedback

on the effectiveness and accuracy of their jury selec-

tion techniques as well as the influence of particular

arguments or evidence; assist attorneys with similar,

pending cases; and serve as a general educational tool.

Trial consultants can assist attorneys in developing

interview protocols, or they can carry out the actual

interviews. Systematic interviews of individual jurors

are likely to produce the most complete and reliable

data. Obtaining permission from the court to interview

jurors and informing jurors about the limits of confi-

dentiality and the use of the data are essential.

Christina A. Studebaker

See alsoDamage Awards; Expert Psychological Testimony;

Juries and Judges’ Instructions; Jury Deliberation; Jury

Reforms; Scientific Jury Selection; Story Model for Juror

Decision Making; Trial Consultant Training; Witness

Preparation

Further Readings

Bennett, C., & Hirschhorn, R. (1993). Bennett’s guide to jury

selection and trial dynamics in civil and criminal

litigation.St. Paul, MN: West.

Fulero, S., & Penrod, S. (1990). Attorney jury selection

folklore: What do they think and how can psychologists

help? Forensic Reports, 3,233–259.

Krauss, E., & Bonora, B. (Eds.). (1983).Jurywork:

Systematic techniques(2nd ed.). St. Paul, MN: West.

Posey, A. J., & Wrightsman, L. S. (2005). Trial consulting.

New York: Oxford University Press.

Strier, F., & Shestowsky, D. (1999). Profiling the profilers: A

study of the trial consulting profession, its impact on trial

justice and what, if anything, to do about it. Wisconsin

Law Review, 1999,441–499.

Studebaker, C. A., & Penrod, S. D. (1997). Pretrial publicity:

The media, the law, and common sense. Psychology,

Public Policy, and Law, 3,428–460.

Web Sites

The American Society of Trial Consultants:

http://www.astcweb.org

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