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Improving the Trial Process for Jurors
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WHEN THE PROCEDURE WILL ASSIST JURORS, THE COURT SHOULD DISTRIBUTE PLACE CARDS, NAME TAGS, OR SEATING CHARTS IDENTIFYING PARTIES, WITNESSES, COUNSEL, AND OTHER PERTINENT INDIVIDUALS IN THE COURTROOM.
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Identifying Trial Participants
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Identifying trial participants aids jurors in understanding and recalling the evidence and understanding the significance of courtroom events. Before trial begins, counsel should provide the court with names of parties, witnesses, and counsel who will appear in the trial. Either court staff, or counsel under the court’s supervision, should prepare place cards or name tags for the relevant individuals. A seating chart may be placed in juror notebooks before trial.
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Caution
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In any case in which a trial participant’s identity is an issue, the court should exercise caution in using this procedure.
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References:
G. Thomas Munsterman, et al., Jury Trial Innovations, § IV-II, p. 123 (3rd ed. 1997).
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