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Finding Empathetic Jurors

By Ron Chapman

"Empathy" is defined as "the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another."  When selecting a jury, it is important that a lawyer try to find empathetic jurors or jurors who will be able to stand in the client's shoes (figuratively speaking).  That is to say, it is important that a lawyer try to find those jurors who will be able to identify with the plight of the attorney's client rather than harshly judge an individual for whom they have no understanding.  As famed trial lawyer Gerry Spence has said, those who are eager to pass judgment on others often have a disposition more akin to that of the executioner.When selecting a jury, trial lawyer and jury consultant Anne Reed looks for a potential juror's willingness to punish...continue to full post

Full post as published by Palm Beach Criminal Defense Blog on January 20, 2008 (boomark / email).