The New Normal: Juries in 2021 and Beyond - 2021

The composition of jury pools is increasingly evolving, as are the experiences and motivations of individual jurors. The typical venire today includes jurors from four generational cohorts, and representation of each cohort is shifting as Generation Z jurors enter and Baby Boomers exit the jury pool. Many venues are also experiencing changes in prospective jurors’ ethnicity and cultural backgrounds. In addition, jurors have been affected by unpredictable changes in the socio-political environment, especially in the midst and wake of the COVID-19 crisis.This presentation will discuss the extent of these changes and their likely effects on civil jurors’ information processing and attributions of blame. Participants will learn how they can modify trial strategy and opening statements to appeal to evolving jury pools more broadly and to certain subgroups such as Millennial jurors. Implications of changes in the jury pool for jury selection strategy will also be discussed, followed by recommendations for supplemental juror questionnaires and voir dire. Presented by:Lorie Sicafuse, Ph.DLitigation Consultant Courtroom SciencesMelissa L. Loberg, Ph.DLitigation Consultant Courtroom SciencesSponsored by Judicate West   Qualifies for MCLE Self Study - 1 Hour of General Credit