Research | Courtroom Sciences

Pretrial Research

Cases are won – or optimum settlements are obtained – by “out-preparing” the other side. Pretrial research in the form of focus groups, mock trials and other forms of exploratory jury simulations is essential in obtaining accurate evaluations of financial exposure and to ascertain how the litigants, evidence, themes and witnesses are likely to be viewed at the jury level. Pre-trial research, done early in litigation or even before filing a lawsuit, equips CSI’s clients with the ability to approach settlement negotiations scientifically, with maximum advantage. Research of this type is designed to avoid the common pitfall of being more clever than correct when it comes to determining the true strengths and vulnerabilities in a case.

Mock Trials

CSI conducts pre-trial research in many formats, including jury simulations, mock trials, and focus groups. CSI employs rigorous, field-tested research designs that allow trial-testing within a variety of budget constraints. As just one example, the CSI Jury Simulation makes it possible for a trial team to test a case, live, before a panel of twelve jurors, and watch them deliberate to a verdict on the key issues in dispute—all for as little as $13,000. The enthusiastic response to and use of this program indicates that there is a huge demand for pretrial research that is both substantive and highly economical. CSI has always led by example with innovative, creative, and value-driven services that anticipate the evolution of litigation and meet the psychological and non-legal needs of juries nationwide. CSI employs a unique and innovative approach to litigation consulting, and our track record speaks to our countless successes.

Attitudinal Research

A well-designed community attitude survey, conducted in a desired venue, can be pivotal in identifying potential juror attitudes and perceptions, and is often instrumental in developing an ideal/non-ideal juror profile for jury selection. Practical results obtained from such research can also provide a valuable tool for developing a successful voir dire strategy. Contact CSI to learn more about the benefits of attitudinal survey research to your case.

Post Trial Interviews

Interviewing the jury panel immediately after an actual trial lets a trial team “look into the jury room” and gain vital insights into the case. These interviews are conducted by CSI consultants and reveal pivotal information about witnesses, attorney presentations, significant evidence, and jurors’ problem-solving strategies. Acquiring juror insights following the actual trial is particularly important when there is pattern or serial litigation pending. Contact CSI to learn more about the proven CSI research protocols and interview techniques that provide valuable knowledge of the cognitive path taken by the actual jurors in your case.

Settlement Sciences

Settlement attempts are often undertaken without an empirical basis for knowing what a jury would actually do with the case. At CSI, we are committed to the principle that data on actual case exposure, as determined by panels of mock jurors, provide invaluable tactical benefits.

CSI provides a menu of services to assist trial counsel in preparing case settlements, including pre-trial research and mediation package preparation that can include identification of salient deliberation group excerpts, as well as creative demonstrative aids that punctuate case themes. Other services include exhibit board preparation, “day in the life videos,” 2-D and 3-D animations and animated graphics, magnetic boards, and other multimedia services tailored to mesh seamlessly with your trial strategy. Contact CSI to learn more about our services aimed at providing strategic advantages for yielding optimal settlement results.