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Benefits of case presentation research

To provide an objective viewpoint by persons from the community whose demographics, attitudes, biases and predispositions closely fit typical jurors. 
The Respondents are typically recruited from the same county in which the case will be tried so that they are reflective of the actual jury pool. Respondents are carefully screened to determine whether or not they are familiar with any of the case participants and/or would otherwise be disqualified from jury service.

To determine profiles of the most and least desirable jurors.
The attorney is enlightened as to the methods through which jurors process information, the role attitudinal beliefs play in decision - making and the relationship of these factors to juror demographics and case specifics. When selecting a jury at trial, the attorney is armed with this valuable information.

To identify issues that jurors will consider most important.
It is common for attorneys to believe that they know the "hinge" issues of the case, only to find that many jurors dismiss them out-of-hand and give great weight to other points the attorney and clients considered tangential at best.

To determine the theme and most effective trial strategy.
This involves evaluating competitive strategies and tactical alternatives, as they relate to juror comprehension and acceptance.

To allow the attorney to gauge the effectiveness of opening and closing arguments.
Alternate forms of arguments can be presented and critiqued as part of the pre-trial process. Feedback from Respondents can be used to craft more convincing arguments.

To assess the effectiveness of key witnesses.
Is the witness credible? Does the witness make his/her points clearly? How can the witness present testimony that is more persuasive? An adverse reaction from a juror to any area of testimony can undermine the entire testimony of a witness.

To judge the value of demonstrative and documentary evidence.
Are exhibits clearly visible, easy to understand or confusing and unclear? How can the exhibits be improved from the juror's perspective?

To view the case from the perspective of your adversary. Developing the information necessary to present and argue the issue from the opponent's side not only leads to insights into their case, but yours as well. Arguments that you were certain "nailed the case" need refining or possibly a complete overhaul.

To assess your overall presentation effectiveness.
Few attorneys ever get honest, constructive feedback from jurors at trial. The opinions and evaluations from Respondents, unaware of your presence, provide you with honest and blunt reactions. This enables you to objectively critique all aspects of your presentation. You can consequently capitalize on the strengths and work on the weaknesses.

To determine reactions to the charge on law.
Research has revealed that jurors generally understand fewer than half of the instructions they receive at trial. The language of the law is confusing to those not trained in the legal profession. Pre-trial research not only determines what is understood, misunderstood and ignored but provides the best ways to effectively incorporate the jury charge into trial strategy.

To review notes taken by Respondents to determine what elements in your case were or were not found to be clear, important and convincing.
After the groups are completed, the notes taken by the Respondents are analyzed to determine what information and questions they recorded on paper. This informs the trial team as to what data conveyed by both attorneys and litigants was considered important and unimportant, convincing and unconvincing, clear and unclear.

To view the dynamic of the jury deliberation process.
This entails identifying leaders and followers, watching the flow of ideas, noting the emergence of differing points of view, observing the reference to notes taken during the process and evaluating the eventual outcome of the deliberations.

To determine the economic value of a civil case.
Allows realistic and effective negotiation of settlement offers. The results of pre-trial Research can give you a strategic advantage in settlement negotiations. You will know the parameters a jury(s) has set.