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The twelve member jury

Juries are not always capable of comprehending the complexities of a given case. But what you will find is that a 12-member jury, that is the consensus of 12, is really much more well-balanced, intelligent, experienced and open minded than an individual. And it is because the law requires that they try to remain open minded until deliberation because there is a discussion where people share their viewpoints and their life experiences. I find that the group of 12 has much more wisdom than an individual. But you must be very cognizant of the fact that it’s very difficult to get 12 people to agree and to come up with a substantial amount in your client’s favor. This is why it is very important to continually repeat the key components of your case and to continually address them as skeptics even up until closing argument. You must demonstrate that although this piece of evidence may well have caused you to pause, look at the evidence as a whole and tell me whether or not it does not have the ring of truth. And you talk to the jury in a conversational manner that causes their skepticism to fall aside. Even then if there are some jurors that you know have been evidencing more interest in your case, you can try to make sure that you give them the tools they need to bring into the deliberative process, so that they have something to discuss with the others who have been more hesitant to come your way. It is a process.

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