By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: Next time you’re in a public place, look around at all the people and what they’re doing. Looking at their phones? Yes! Nearly all of them. Now, some might be working. Some could be keeping up on the news or reading great works of literature. But it is likely that […]
Tap Into Your Jurors’ Reward System Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: First, a pet peeve I just have to get off my chest: It is not called a “podium,” it is called a “lectern.” A podium is a platform that you stand on in order to be seen by an audience. And if you don’t believe me (because you have called
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: It is the classic scenario for a false confession: The suspect sits in a small room answering the same questions over and over again as the detective repeating those questions grows more and more exasperated. Finally, as the suspect has been worn down by the unvarying inquisition, or perhaps out
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By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: The trial consulting field seems to fly mostly under the radar. As a part of the attorney’s confidential work product, our role in conducting research, preparing witnesses, and helping to advise on jury selection is not generally in the public’s view. But with some regularity, the topic comes up, with
See Trial Consulting as a Proper Part of the Adversarial System Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: In trial, many things are planned in advance, but some things are reactive during the moment. When you can control it, you’ll meticulously plan it before trial and then execute your plan during trial. However, when you don’t have that luxury, you need to react on a moment-to-moment basis. It
Rein In Your Redirect Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: These days we’re pretty used to digital displays. What we once did with a marking pen, or later with a computer and printer, can now be displayed more easily, and often more impressively, on a screen. All of us are used to seeing our news (and reading our blog posts)
Be Multi-Modal in Your Courtroom Visuals Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: Testifying is difficult enough already. You’re trying to give complete and honest answers while a trained attorney is asking hypotheticals, making distinctions, digging into details, sometimes applying arcane legal standards and language, and all the while, hoping to trip you up. Now, imagine trying to do that in a language
Testifying in English When It’s Not Your Native Tongue? Use That Advantage Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: Across the U.S., physicians are increasingly allowed to say “I’m sorry” without it being used as evidence against them in court. These apology laws, now on the books in 39 states and the District of Columbia, are directed at reducing the risks and the costs of litigation. Reformers, including physician and
Doctors, Don’t Expect a Partial ‘Sorry’ to Reduce Liability Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: A jury’s decision in a case will often come down to their view of fairness. That word, of course, is subjective. However, even when jurors delve into the legal instructions and understand those instructions, they often find that the law opens the door to those subjectivities, hinging as it often
Know the Political Variations on ‘Fairness’ Read More »
By Dr. Ken Broda Bahm: It isn’t uncommon for lawyers to see a jury in static terms. An attorney I once worked with referred to a jury as “twelve bales of hay.” Because it isn’t possible to fully know what a jury is thinking until the end, that fundamental uncertainty can lead some to diminish
Expect Your Jury to Grow Read More »