Reviews (3)

Timely
This book provides a terrific historical perspective as to why the jury system is so important to our form of democracy.A quoted in this book, Thomas Jefferson wrote that it is more important for a citizen of this country to sit on a jury than it is for her to vote in an election.In today's world of out-of-control corporate greed, it is nice to see at least one author taking the bold steps of presenting the truth.Corporate america does not fear our politicians or the government. The only voice that big business fears is that of the jury.It is only the jury that can control bis business in today's society.Why? because it only a jury that can speak the language that corporate america understands - money.Without the jury, we will further slip into a world of the haves and the have nots.This is a must read.I only wish I could buy a copy for everyone I know.

For Those Who Care About Justic
This is for those who know a little but not a lot about why juries are so precious in America. With clarity and brilliance, Dwyer makes the case for the jury. For me, he also, unwittingly I think, made the case that I should not avoid serving on a jury notwithstanding the nuisance value of doing so. Much to everyone's and America's loss, he lost his life at about the same time as this book was published, but he left us with a superb work based on his legal experiences and his long-time service as a federal district judge in Seattle.

A Good Intro to the Jury System
Judge Dwyer shows a great respect and insight into the importance of the jury system to maintaining democratic government and liberty in America.In spite of some areas where he has accepted conventional wisdom instead of actually researching the issues involved (such as where he accepts the myth that racist jury nullification was widespread during the civil rights era.The best researched work on this is in Clay S. Conrad's book Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a Doctrine, in which he shows that most of the acquittals in lynching and civil rights murder cases were due to prosecutors, judges and police being unwilling to pursue such cases to conviction, and not to the actions of jurors) the book is an excellent exposition of the importance of trial by jury.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Law / Jury   

Reviews (4)

Anabsorbing, informative and important book
Sundby's book takes the reader beyond abstractions about how capital punishment decisions are made, and provides a rare and consistently fascinating account of how two actual juries reach their decisions. The book is filled with insights about the legal and emotional dynamics of the jury room and the courtroom in death penalty cases. It pulls off a couple of very difficult feats. It treats all the jurors interviewed with respect and understanding, and should be equally informative for those with strong feelings for or against the death penalty and for those who are undecided. In addition, it manages to convey quite a bit of valuable information about the death penalty and the criminal justice system in a way that should be accessible and interesting for those with or without a background in the law. In short, a must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of the American system of capital punishment, or of jury decision-making in general.

a bit dull
i think i learned as much by watching 12 angry men; its hard to make decisions, but this didn't take me any further.

The Current System Of The Death Penalty In Most States
This current system as practiced in many states is inherently evil. The system screens out all potential jurors who have the wisdom to understand the fact that the death penalty should never be an option because it is evil and exploits our animal instinct for revenge and vengence. The government that murders one of its own people in revenge for a crime that may have been committed is a government unwilling to set a good example for its own citizens. It is a government that does not understand that this act of killing breeds disrespct for all of the potential goodness, wisdom and compassion that a proper government can bring to add to the quality of life for its citizens. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Case studies    3. Criminal Procedure    4. Decision making    5. Jurisprudence    6. Jury    7. Law    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Legal System    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Trials (Murder)    12. United States    13. Law / Jury   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Jury    2. Murder - General    3. True Crime    4. True Crime / Espionage    5. Chronological Period/21st Century    6. Cultural Region/West Coast    7. Cultural Region/Western U.S.    8. Geographic Orientation/California    9. True Crime / Murder   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Jury    3. Jury selection    4. Law    5. Law (Specific Aspects)    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. United States    8. Jurisprudence & General Issues   

Editorial Review

Anyone who's ever watched Read more

Reviews (14)

Celebrity cases, mostly of the left - certainly not the "greatest."
The authors claim that these "greatest closing arguments in modern law" were chosen for the "quality of [their] summation, as well as for [their] historical significance." The immediate question is who is judging the quality of the summation and, more importantly, their historical significance?
If your idealism is waning, this book will help you find it!
After years of arguing caseslaw, motions, picking juries, interviewing witnesses, going through all the day to day protocol that trial work demands, one may forget at times how important is the job of a lawyer.But this book reminds the practioner that he/she is a part of a wonderful system of justice.Not many cases will go down as "The Greatest" but to your clients, it is often the defining moment of their lives.And this book helps you reconnect to the reasons why you sought a lifetime devoted to the noblest of professions.
A worthwhile readfor a trial attorney
If only for Spence's closing in the Silkwood case, this book is worth every penny.A real thing of subtle and effective beauty, that closing contains so many incredible and useful techniques, it's just plain stunning.The subtle allignment of Spence to the jurors in groups in which Spence and the jurors can work together are wonderful and powerful -- Spence places himself and the jurors by turns in a self built retirement community, and in the class of local state citizens all the while emphasizing that the cause of the need for retirement and the genesis of Spence's newfound home state membership is the defense's prolongation of trial -- wonderful.The rhyming "if the lion gets away, Kerr McGee must pay" is hard-to-forget and masterfully so.The analysis that proceeds each transcript is useful and informative.Buy it if you can. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal History    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Summation (Law)    7. Trial Practice    8. United States    9. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    10. Courts & procedure    11. Law / General    12. Legal profession   

Reviews (3)

Dated but brilliant
There is a canard that to not know history it to be doomed to repeat it. Usually I have found that most people who read history do so in a manner that distorts it to fit their own views on contemporary issues (Newt Gingrich is a good example of this). This is not necessarily a bad thing but the reader should be self-aware.
Finally back in print
It's a relief to see Prof. Abramson's fine volume on juries back in print.One of the most important books on juries written in recent years, Abramson looks at the political role of juries and makes several original observations that are in themselves worth the price of admission.This is the sort of book that is appropriate for lawyers, law and graduate students and laypersons alike. Finally back in print
It's a relief to see Prof. Abramson's fine volume on juries back in print.One of the most important books on juries written in recent years, Abramson looks at the political role of juries and makes several original observations that are in themselves worth the price of admission.This is the sort of book that is appropriate for lawyers, law and graduate students and laypersons alike.Read more

Subjects:  1. Jury    2. Justice, Administration of    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. United States    6. Civil law (general works)    7. Courts & procedure    8. Law / Jury    9. USA   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Jury    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Trial Practice   

Reviews (3)

Judge the Jury: Experience the Power of Reading People (Paperback)
Not very well written. Information flow is not good. This is not a book I would use if I needed a text book for a class. If I really wanted to read a person using body language, or if I really wanted to analyze a handwriting sample, I'd definitely need a better, more fluid, more comprehensive resource.

What a wake-up call - what an informative read!
I am a personnel director with a Fortune 500 company, and recently picked up Judging the Jury to guide me in executive placement.It is amazing how quickly I have learned the techniques described in this book and honed inon valuable keys to such traits as honesty, loyalty, and intergrity -valuable information when selecting key personnel. I must tell you it hasbeen truly an awakening experience. This book has become my recruitingBible, second only to the EEOC guidelines.I would highly recommend it toanyone whose job depends on making valid judgments on employees, friends,business associates and those occasional sales reps, whose honesty wesometimes question.

Great Book
I found this book to be an interesting and fun learning experience.I was able to pick up on peoples body language after reading this book.You must read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. JURY SELECTION    5. Law / Jury   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Jury    3. Jury selection    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Psychological aspects    7. Social aspects    8. United States   

Reviews (3)

Biased Reviews
I think it unfortunate that a relative and a former student provide two glowing, 5 star reviews of this work.Buyer beware.

"Total Justice": The Key to Unlocking Jurors' Minds
At the beginning of this review, I need to disclose my bias: I have knownNeal Feigenson for nearly 15 years: He was on the faculty at the law schoolwhich I attended, and I consider him a friend, as well as a mentor ofsorts.Although I candidly concede, therefore, that I cannot be entirelyobjective about anything written by Professor Feigenson, I am confidentthat, by any standard, this is a marvelously intelligent and incisive bookat the intersection of law and social psychology. Everyone Should Read This!
Legal Blame is the best book I've ever read about how juries think.The author explains in simple, clear language the psychology of how and why jurors blame someone for an accident, and shows how that psychology isreflected in the words that lawyers use when they try to persuade juries aswell as in the jurors' own words.The book makes it possible to get insidethe jurors' heads as they decide these cases, and that makes it easier tounderstand why the jurors decided as they did, whether you agree with theirdecisions or not.The background chapters on the tort law system and thecognitive psychology, especially the psychology of emotions, were extremelyclear (I'm not a lawyer or a psychologist, and I felt I understood all ofit) and helpful.I feel that from now on I'll be a much more educatedconsumer of television and newspaper coverage of jury trials and the legalsystem. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Social Psychology    6. Courts & procedure    7. Jurisprudence & philosophy of law    8. Psychology    9. Torts / delicts    10. USA   

Reviews (1)

A communication bible for trial lawyers
This is a well written, well organized book that should be read and re-read and re-read by every trial attorney. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Communications    3. Forensic oratory    4. Jury    5. Law    6. Law / Communications    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Persuasion (Psychology)    9. Trial practice    10. United States    11. Audio-visual aids    12. Communication in law    13. Visual communication   

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Criminology    3. Judicial process    4. Jury    5. Law    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Punishment    8. Sentences (Criminal procedure)    9. United States    10. Jurisprudence & General Issues    11. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (1)

Maybe the best of its type
In recent years, several books have come out, each giving an overview of the jury system in terms that a lay audience can understand.Out of all of them, this may be the very best.Broad in its scope, Jonakait covers his topic with care and understanding.He displays an insight into the jury system that comes from his years as a trial lawyer, and his experience as an academic.The result is a balanced, fair work that is meticulously researched and documented. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal System    5. Politics / Current Events    6. United States    7. Constitutional & administrative law    8. Courts & procedure    9. Law / Jury    10. USA   

Reviews (3)

Disappointed reader
Very disappointed in this title, which would have benefited from greater editorial oversight, including substantial redaction and re-writing.While the book contains a promising organizational structure, the text is wordy.One has to wade through paragraphs that are are redundant or void of specific meaning in order to glean the author's point.I don't think the author is purposefully padding, but half of the book could have been cut without harm done.
The real workings of power within the courtroom
The Hidden Jury by trial lawyer, educator, author, trial consultant and communications expert Paul M. Lisnek is a fact- and advice-filled expose of how the American court system truly works, with all its virtues and pitfalls. From mock trials that have a disproportionate impact on the final verdict; to the trial services that only the wealthiest clients can afford; to techniques used by lawyers to present their case and sway observers' minds as forcefully as possible; to the real workings of power within the courtroom, The Hidden Jury is very strongly recommended reading for anyone involved in, or pursuing a career with, the American criminal or civil legal system today.

Excellent Legal Book Even for Non-lawyers
I'm not ordinarily a big fan of legal books, but I strongly recommend this one.I walked away with an in-depth knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes in the life of a jury consultant.Lisnek sprinkles his book with enticing stories of what happened with real life normal cases, as well as famous trials such as the O.J. Simpson trial, Heidi Fleiss trial and Whitewater.It's amazing, and sometimes unsettling, to see how the prepartory work can influence the outcome of a trial.Nevertheless, it is not sneaky or underhanded, but extensive research, hard work and common sense.Lisnek is a decent and intelligent man.He recognizes the importance of understanding human nature, and the powerful impact of perception with potential and real jurors.It's a refreshing and unusual look at the jury system from someone who knows it inside and out.Even if you are remotely interested in law, you would enjoy this book.And, if you need to go to court, make absolutely sure your lawyer has a copy.A terrific read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Courts    3. Fair trial    4. Jury    5. Law    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. United States   

Reviews (1)

LEARN ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT REAL JURIES!!!!!
Outstanding reading for those with an interest in the way a real life jury operates.A great historical review of the American Jury system and where it might be in the future.Very easy reading and would make an excellent reference and/or textbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Courts & procedure   

Editorial Review

The authors take a critical look at the science of jury consultants in Read more

Reviews (7)

New science not so new
This book, although copywrited in 2002, is already outdated. Regrettably, it also spends an inordinate number of pages touting commercial jury consulting firms, rather than providing theory, application or even advice on jury selection.

Entertaining and unbiased account of jury consulting.
This work is a fascinating account discussing the circumstances under which jury consultants are effective.I read it to be rather unbiased. The Kressel's concentrate on the facts of prominent cases as well as the experiences of jury consultants and seasoned trial attorneys.It contains arguments from experts who disagree on the effectiveness of hiring a consultant and the prudence of paying 5 and 6 figure fees for simulated trials, witness coaching and after-trial analysis.
A well-researched guide to a controversial industry
This book wasn't written by a consultant and it isn't a cookbook on how to do jury consulting. But it is a pretty fair guide to what jury consultants and the lawyers who use them are up to.The authors claim to expose some myths about juries, consultants and lawyers.They may not convince everyone -- and they will probably anger some consultants --but they have done their homework.The book is loaded with evidence, some of it from social scientists, some of it based on interviews with lawyers and consultants.After reading the book, however, I'm still sure whether trial consultants are a threat to our justice system or not.But I am glad I read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jury    2. Jury selection    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Psychological aspects    6. Social aspects    7. United States    8. Courts & procedure    9. USA   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Games    3. Games/Puzzles    4. General    5. Instructions to juries    6. Jury    7. Legal System    8. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    9. Popular works    10. Role Playing & Fantasy - General    11. True Crime / Espionage    12. United States    13. Law / Jury   

Reviews (1)

Well written, well researched book
I am a structured settlement consultant who has worked in thousands of injury cases over 20 years.Although I have not participated in many jury trials, I know the way that jury verdicts effect settlements and the entire litigation system.Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Civil Procedure    3. Courts    4. Damages    5. Jurors    6. Jury    7. Law    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Medical Law & Legislation    10. Psychological aspects    11. Psychology    12. Public Health    13. United States    14. Verdicts    15. Courts & procedure    16. USA   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. General    3. Jury    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Reference    6. United States    7. Law / Jury   

Reviews (1)

A must read!
Dr. Miller does an excellent job examining how jurors' religiosity affects the legal system, especially in death penalty cases. As she states in the book, "The use of religion in the legal system is certainly a controversial topic. Some authors contend that reliance on religious teaching threatens the separation of church and state and violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause..." She goes on to say that, "...there are many ways religion can infiltrate the legal system. Religion can affect every stage of a criminal trial, beginning with jury selection and ending with the Governor's pardon decision." The primary focus of her book is on religious appeals used in attorneys' closing argument. If you're at all interested in how religious views affect court cases I highly recommend this book!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Capital punishment    2. Civil Procedure    3. Criminology    4. Jury    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Summation (Law)    9. United States