In my part of the country spring has sprung and the wildflowers are out in force along with some brave redbuds, ‘tulip’ magnolias, and Bradford Pears. In other parts of the country, there is still a long ways to go til spring and I am very sorry about that reality. In this issue, there is plenty to read whether your window shows snow and ice or the welcome blooms of spring.
We have lots of articles on witnesses this issue: expert witnesses, female witnesses, and even traumatized witnesses. We also have a research article on what happens when women express anger in decision-making groups. That one has responses from several trial consultants who universally think the message is disturbing but also think it can help you prepare women for deliberations and teach you about how to express anger as a female attorney (or witness or party). Spoiler alert: The research finds that when men express anger it is persuasive, but when women express anger, it is not persuasive at all.
And when you’ve read your fill of articles on witness preparation issues and what happens when women express anger—we also have an update on what is happening with the NYU Civil Jury Project in the form of a conversation between Steve Susman (founder of the project) and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. And because we think this is such an important project, it’s also our Favorite Thing this issue.
So. Enjoy this issue. Enjoy spring as it ushers forth with signs of life after a long (or short, depending on where you are) winter. We’ll be back when it’s summer.
Rita R. Handrich, Ph.D.
Editor, The Jury Expert