PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS |
| General format for conducting
a community survey |
A community survey is a
public opinion survey which identifies the community’s
attitudes about a particular case or set of issues and
interprets the data demographically. This kind of public
opinion survey is the most reliable jury research instrument
to identify the demographics of the favorable/unfavorable
juror for jury selection.
|
| Conducting a community survey
is central to putting together a juror profile which will
be statistically significant. With the scientific results
of the public opinion survey, counsel can go into jury selection
with a clear and precise set of criteria which will identify
the plaintiff versus defense juror. With this information,
counsel can map out a successful voir dire strategy. |
The community
surveyed can be a city, county, state or country. The number
of participants in this kind of social science research
can vary, depending on the size of the survey. The length
of the telephone interview is typically ten to fifteen
minutes.
|
| Benefits of community surveys
in determining trial strategy |
This kind of public opinion
survey scientifically identifies a juror profile for the
case and allows counsel to map out a successful trial strategy
in terms of knowing:
|
- How the community will vote
on your case
- The demographics of a favorable/unfavorable
juror
- The community’s attitudes about the issues
- Your
most effective case presentation
- Whether you can get
a fair trial in that venue
- The advantages and disadvantages
of settling
|
