Author Description

"Given the importance of trial consultants to the modern-day practice of law, Scientific Jury Selection is designed to be informative for psychologists, other professionals interested in trial consulting (e.g., sociologists, communication experts, marketing researchers, psychiatrists, and social workers), and attorneys. The authors provide a thorough review of the most common techniques used to select jurors and a critical, social-science-based evaluation of the ultimate effectiveness of these methods. The nature and mechanics of the voir dire process, the use of community surveys, and the influence of demographic factors on scientific jury selection are among the many topics given a close examination by the two authors, who are pioneers in the field. Psychologists and other social scientists as well as practicing trial consultants who read the book will gain a better understanding of the current state of research relevant to scientific jury selection, emerging trends, and areas in which new research needs to be conducted to advance the field. Attorneys who read the book will be better positioned to decide whether to hire consultants to assist in future litigation, and if so, what types of services these consultants should provide"--Jacket. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved).