Synthetic Jurors for expert Witness Selection in a Pharmaceutical Product Liability Case
May 13, 2024
2.1.23
Synthetic Jurors for expert Witness Selection in a Pharmaceutical Product Liability Case
In complex pharmaceutical product liability cases, selecting and preparing expert witnesses can significantly impact the trial outcome. The right expert witness can simplify complicated scientific information for the jury, enhancing understanding and influencing juror opinions. However, expert selection and preparation require significant time and resources, with attorneys spending dozens of hours researching, vetting, and preparing experts. This process involves not only finding the most qualified expert but also ensuring that their testimony resonates with the jury.
SyntheticJuror.ai, leveraging its patent-pending technology, transforms this process by offering data-driven simulations that predict juror reactions to different expert testimony styles, topics, and delivery methods. By running various simulations, SyntheticJuror.ai provides attorneys with key insights into how different experts might be perceived by the jury, helping to guide the selection and preparation of expert witnesses.
Estimated Manual Hours: 65 hours
Cost: 65 * $250 = $16,250
Key Tasks:
Research potential experts in relevant fields: 20 hours
Lawyers traditionally spend hours researching medical and scientific experts, reviewing their qualifications, publications, and previous court appearances. The goal is to find someone who not only has the necessary expertise but can also communicate effectively with a lay audience. SyntheticJuror.ai can streamline this process by suggesting expert profiles that align with case needs and evaluating their performance in prior trials through AI-driven analysis of public data.Initial interviews with potential experts: 15 hours
During interviews, attorneys assess how well the expert can explain complex concepts and whether they will come across as credible and trustworthy to jurors. SyntheticJuror.ai enhances this process by simulating potential juror reactions to these interviews. This simulation can reveal whether an expert’s delivery style is likely to be effective or fall flat in front of a jury.Background checks and credential verification: 10 hours
Verifying the background and credentials of expert witnesses is crucial to ensure their credibility. While this process remains largely manual, SyntheticJuror.ai’s simulations can highlight potential areas of concern that might arise during cross-examination, allowing attorneys to address them in advance.Preliminary expert opinion analysis: 15 hours
Attorneys need to review the expert’s initial opinions to see if they align with the case strategy. SyntheticJuror.ai allows lawyers to test how jurors are likely to react to different expert opinions or scientific explanations, providing valuable feedback on which aspects of the testimony are likely to resonate most or cause confusion.Selection and initial briefing of chosen experts: 5 hours
Once the expert is selected, the initial briefing prepares them for deposition and trial. SyntheticJuror.ai’s simulations guide attorneys on how to best frame expert testimony for maximum impact, including how to simplify complex concepts without undermining the expert’s authority.
How SyntheticJuror.ai Enhances Expert Witness Selection
SyntheticJuror.ai uses its patent-pending AI algorithms to simulate how jurors from different demographics, backgrounds, and experiences are likely to perceive an expert witness. By generating detailed synthetic juror profiles based on real-world data, the platform helps attorneys test various experts’ effectiveness before selecting one.
For example, in a pharmaceutical product liability case where the science is particularly complicated, SyntheticJuror.ai can simulate juror reactions to an expert’s explanation of drug interactions or clinical trials. These simulations help the legal team understand whether the expert’s testimony is likely to clarify the scientific evidence or confuse the jury. If the simulated reactions show that jurors are struggling to follow the expert’s explanation, attorneys can adjust their briefing to better prepare the expert for trial.
Key Feature: SyntheticJuror.ai’s ability to spot things lawyers might miss
The AI not only simulates juror reactions but also detects subtle juror biases or misconceptions that might go unnoticed by human attorneys. It can identify whether jurors are likely to mistrust scientific terminology, or if specific technical details need to be explained in more layman-friendly language. This ensures the expert witness connects with the jury at the right level of comprehension and empathy.
Additionally, SyntheticJuror.ai’s bias detection capabilities allow attorneys to identify potential juror biases against certain types of experts, such as academics versus practicing professionals. By understanding how jurors might be predisposed to react to different expert backgrounds, attorneys can make more informed decisions during voir dire and focus their efforts on selecting jurors who are most likely to be receptive to their expert’s testimony.
Expert Witness Cross-Examination: Preparing for the Unexpected
Cross-examining an expert witness can be one of the most challenging parts of a trial, as opposing counsel will often attempt to discredit the expert’s testimony by attacking their credibility or expertise. SyntheticJuror.ai’s real-time simulation features allow attorneys to test how their expert will stand up to cross-examination by simulating the reactions of a synthetic jury to difficult or contentious lines of questioning. By identifying potential weaknesses in an expert’s testimony early in the process, attorneys can work with the expert to address these vulnerabilities, ensuring they are better prepared for tough questions on the stand.
For example, in a case involving pharmaceutical liability, opposing counsel might question an expert’s methodology or previous conclusions in unrelated cases. SyntheticJuror.ai allows attorneys to simulate juror reactions to these cross-examination points, helping the legal team understand how such questions might affect the jurors’ perception of the expert. This allows attorneys to refine their approach and ensure their expert is well-prepared to defend their testimony.
How SyntheticJuror.ai Enhances Testimony Preparation
With SyntheticJuror.ai, attorneys can simulate juror reactions to specific topics and delivery styles well before trial. The platform’s simulations offer insights into how jurors will perceive both the content and style of an expert witness’s testimony, which can be invaluable when refining how the expert presents their findings.
For example, if the simulation shows that jurors are more receptive to simple, straightforward explanations, attorneys can coach the expert to adjust their language to suit the jury’s comprehension level. On the other hand, if jurors respond positively to technical details or complex terminology, the expert can maintain a more academic presentation style.
Key Feature: Spotting weaknesses lawyers may not detect
SyntheticJuror.ai has the ability to flag inconsistencies in the expert’s delivery, jargon-heavy language that could alienate the jury, or areas where cross-examination may exploit technical gaps. The AI pinpoints communication weaknesses that human attorneys may overlook, helping refine testimony to its strongest possible form.
SyntheticJuror.ai also helps attorneys identify the most effective way to present evidence. By running simulations with different types of visual aids (such as charts or diagrams), attorneys can see how these aids impact juror understanding. This feature ensures that expert testimony is not only accurate but also clear and persuasive.
Billing for SyntheticJuror.ai in Strategic Case Development
SyntheticJuror.ai’s role in refining expert witness selection and preparation is not only a time-saver but a critical aspect of strategic case development. By providing deep, actionable insights into juror perceptions and expert witness effectiveness, the platform significantly enhances the quality of case preparation. This service is billable to clients as part of strategic case development, adding measurable value to their litigation strategy.
Potential Impact of SyntheticJuror.ai
SyntheticJuror.ai’s ability to simulate juror reactions to expert witness testimony can improve the effectiveness of expert testimony by 25-45%. Additionally, the platform reduces the time spent on expert selection and preparation by approximately 30%, making the process both faster and more effective. By guiding attorneys through the expert selection process with data-backed insights, SyntheticJuror.ai ensures that the most impactful witnesses are chosen, and their testimony is framed to resonate with jurors.