Trial Services

Trial monitoring gives you the benefit of ongoing feedback on your case as it progresses. Dr. Ruffin provides insights on the strength and clarity of case themes, evidence, and witness testimony, as well as observations on courtroom dynamics and the use of trial graphics. Based on our in-court observations, we offer suggestions to strengthen case strategy and closing arguments.

Dr. Ruffin observes the jury’s response, though facial expressions, micro-expressions, leakage, and other body language clues and reports his observations directly to counsel. Dr. Ruffin can provide direct feedback about juror reaction and provide suggestions on how to speak to individual juror members. Having trained hundreds of attorneys on how to build rapport with the jury, this direct analysis and feedback is invaluable to increase the possibility of a defense verdict.

With all the attorney’s attention directed towards testimony, let us show you the benefits of having a trained professional concentrate on the jury and their reaction to the testimony.

Juror interviews, when approved by the court, can provide a wealth of information about the case and its outcome. With over 26 years of investigative experience, Dr. Ruffin is versed in interviewing techniques that are designed to elicit responses that go beyond the traditional “yes and no.”
Through a combination of rapport building techniques and open-ended questions, our post-verdict interviews produce information regarding the core issues of the case, thereby allowing counsel to make sound decisions about appeals, companion cases, or other cases with similar circumstances. What testimony, documents, or evidence drove the deliberations? What was the jurors reasoning behind the verdict? Was it emotion or factual? Being able to uncover the actual reason a juror voted the way they did is what separates Dr. Ruffin from his competitors.

Jury Selection is a critical part of the trial process. Not only does the defense team need to identify and eliminate potential jurors with bias and prejudice, they also need to retain those who might be supportive of the defense effort. Verbal and non-verbal responses, to include deception, emotional content, facial expression, body language, posture, and voice tone should all be analyzed and considered when interacting with potential jurors in the selection process. Filling the seats with a favorable jury is the first step for increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

The initial theme of how the defense plans to defend the case should be tested during voir dire. This plants a seed in the jurors mind that will have a lasting effect. But most importantly, the facial expressions and body language of the potential jurors when they hear the theme, will let you know if they should be included or excluded from the jury. This is where we come in. Our job is to help you build those hot questions and thought provoking themes that demand a subconscious response by the jury pool.

If Accurate Verdicts is on board early in the case, we can assist in building those questions by looking that the focus group results and what caused initial reactions there.