Learn about the perils of juror stereotyping (Batson is correct!), the role of religion and faith in jurors' decision making, and other subtleties of the juror selection systems from Dr. Andy Sheldon. Dr. Sheldon is a nationally recognized trial and jury expert who consulted recently on five civil rigths era murder cases that were retried, beginning with State of Mississippi v. Byron de la Beckwith in 1994.

Robert Grey will discuss recommendations concerning standards for and improvement to the American jury system. Grey's "American Jury Initiative," launched in August 2004, is a two-part program designed to create model jury system standards for use throughout the country and to enhance Americans' understanding of the jury's role in our system of law and government. Proposed model standards, designed to reflect the demands of modern trials, were recently presented to the ABA House of Delegates.

What do judges and lawyers think about allowing jurors to ask questions of witnesses? Should jurors be allowed or encouraged to take notes? Should judges ask questions of witnesses? Should jurors be allowed to discuss evidence during the trial? Should the charge to out with the jury during deliberations?

Using practical exercises, learn to apply the techniques of effective story analysis, story structure, and pursuasive presentation to your case. Lisa DeCaro and Len Matheo are national trial consultants and frequent CLE presenters on the natinoa, state and local levels adn teh authors of The Lawyer's Winning Edge: Exceptional Courtroom Performance. With their background in professional theater, film and television, they have assisted thousands of attorneys and their witnesses in their preparations for deposition and trial. They will demonstrate the connection between litigation, advocacy and communication and teach you how to use persuasive storytelling techniquest to communicate effectively with jurors -- a group of people who were chosen specifically because of how little they know about your case or for what they may believe about its underlying issues.