Jury Selection / Voir Dire
Jurors are instructed that they must not bring any of their personal beliefs, biases or prejudgments into the courtroom. However, research has demonstrated that humans use cognitive structures (aka schemas) when receiving information and that these schemas determine how information is processed. Therefore, the idea that jurors put aside all of their beliefs and biases and judge cases solely on the information they are presented with is problematic. Consequently, identifying bias, societal myths and media-perpetuated preconceptions is a critical part of voir dire.
Dr. Meeks identifies what biases are relevant to your case. Dr. Meeks relies on her years of experience in researching juror decision making, extensive litigation experience and background in psychology to identify demographic, experience and personality factors that are critical to your case.
Dr. Meeks identifies what biases are relevant to your case. Dr. Meeks relies on her years of experience in researching juror decision making, extensive litigation experience and background in psychology to identify demographic, experience and personality factors that are critical to your case.
Juror Profiling / Research
Juror profiling and research is an essential ingredient in discovering juror factors and characteristics that are pertinent to your case. Dana Meeks Consulting utilizes a combination of research techniques to provide a complete overview of each juror. Profiling is fast paced, all-inclusive and accurate. Dr. Meeks rates each juror on a specialized rating system and works with the trial team to develop a voir dire and challenge strategy.
Shadow Jury
A small group of shadow jurors are recruited to demographically mirror the jury panel. Shadow jurors are present to carefully watch attorney presentations and witness testimonies and leave the courtroom when the jury panel is dismissed. Dr. Meeks will conduct daily debriefings wherein data/information is collected, analyzed and summarized for the trial team in a few short hours. Dana Meeks Consulting will handle everything and keep you updated so your decisions are informed and strategic. The shadow jury can be present for certain sections of the trial such as opening statements, selected experts and witnesses, or the entire trial.
Trial Monitoring
Trial monitoring entails a consultant attending trial to monitor juror’s perceptions and reactions to opening or closing arguments, specific witnesses or evidence, or the entire trial. Dana Meeks Consulting will prepare and present verbal and/or visual feedback to the attorneys to inform them how evidence or witnesses are being perceived, provide an analysis of juror’s reactions, and make presentation style/content recommendations.
Post-Trial Interviews
The research value of post-trial interviews is immeasurable. Understanding the nuances of how the jurors came to their decision and gleaning the accuracy of recommendations and predictions is an important part of continuing to build the knowledge base that Dr. Meeks relies on. The information gained is also extremely informative and important for the attorneys in understanding what was effective and what was ineffective for future cases. Dr. Meeks will conduct interviews and provide a summary to the attorneys within approximately a week’s time. Dr. Meeks provides this service at a low cost due to the high value of the information.
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A Science Based Mission
Our mission is to provide elite services to litigation attorneys. Recommendations made are grounded in science, research-driven and technologically advanced. The integrity of research conducted is of utmost importance in order to provide valid and reliable information. Having a scientific and psychological perspective gives attorneys a comprehensive appraisal of their case issues, evidence and witnesses.
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