Predicting Juror Verdicts in a Polarized America

Increasing polarization in American politics has led to a substantial shift in civil juror decision-making and jury verdicts. This presentation examines the effects of political beliefs on trial outcomes. Research results indicating the extent to which individual jurors’ political orientation affects verdict preference will be presented, followed by discussion of how case characteristics and juror political orientation can interact to produce unexpected outcomes. Attendees will learn how socio-political changes can impact deliberation dynamics and how to evaluate the composition of a jury. Finally, presenters will review evidenced-based strategies for identifying favorable and unfavorable jurors.