The Hidden Jury: And Other Secret Tactics Lawyers Use to Win

By Paul Michael Lisnek

Book Overview

"The Hidden Jury couldn't be more timely or more urgently needed."--from the introduction by Johnnie Cochran Why do guilty defendants go free? Why do juries award huge sums for ridiculous lawsuits? Who really controls the verdict of a trial? The most powerful people in today's jury trials aren't lawyers, judges, plaintiffs or defendants. Their names don't even appear on the court record. Yet their presence and opinions shape the way that court cases are fought, and can even change the outcome of a trial. They are the hidden jury, the most influential new force in the American legal system. For the first time, The Hidden Jury exposes the truth about mock juries and other tactics that lawyers and trial consultants use to mold a trial to their benefit. Drawing on experience gained from such high-profile cases as the O.J. Simpson trial, Whitewater and the Heidi Fleiss trial, leading trial consultant and jury expert Paul M. Lisnek reveals goes behind the scenes of the American justice system to reveal: --How lawyers get the juries they need to win --The mock trials that really decide the fate of the verdict --The trial services wealthy clients can afford to buy

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570719489
• ISBN13: 9781570719486
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

The real workings of power within the courtroom

The Hidden Jury by trial lawyer, educator, author, trial consultant and communications expert Paul M. Lisnek is a fact- and advice-filled expose of how the American court system truly works, with all its virtues and pitfalls. From mock trials that have a disproportionate impact on the final verdict; to the trial services that only the wealthiest clients can afford; to techniques used by lawyers to present their case and sway observers' minds as forcefully as possible; to the real workings of power within the courtroom, The Hidden Jury is very strongly recommended reading for anyone involved in, or pursuing a career with, the American criminal or civil legal system today.

Excellent Legal Book Even for Non-lawyers

I'm not ordinarily a big fan of legal books, but I strongly recommend this one. I walked away with an in-depth knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes in the life of a jury consultant. Lisnek sprinkles his book with enticing stories of what happened with real life normal cases, as well as famous trials such as the O.J. Simpson trial, Heidi Fleiss trial and Whitewater. It's amazing, and sometimes unsettling, to see how the prepartory work can influence the outcome of a trial. Nevertheless, it is not sneaky or underhanded, but extensive research, hard work and common sense. Lisnek is a decent and intelligent man. He recognizes the importance of understanding human nature, and the powerful impact of perception with potential and real jurors. It's a refreshing and unusual look at the jury system from someone who knows it inside and out. Even if you are remotely interested in law, you would enjoy this book. And, if you need to go to court, make absolutely sure your lawyer has a copy. A terrific read!