Abstract:
Systems, methods, and media for providing virtual mock trials are provided. A system includes one or more hardware processors that are operative to initiate an interactive mock trial session via a network to a plurality of remote participants. The one or more hardware processors generate first and second presentation displays of the mock trial, each having an arrangement of content that may include a live-action video, a pre-recorded video, an image, interactive actuators or icons, text, or combinations thereof. The first display has a first set of interactive options and is transmitted to a plurality of mock jurors, while the second display has a second set of interactive options and is transmitted to at least one other remote participant, which may be, for example, a trial manager, an attorney, or an observer. Evaluations of the mock trial are interactively completed and received by the hardware processor.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/498,246, filed Jun. 17, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed subject matter relates to systems, methods, and media for providing virtual mock trials and/or various types of virtual focus groups. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A mock trial is a simulated trial that may be used by a plaintiff or a defendant to test various aspects of a case in front of a group of participants acting as jurors. For example, mock trials may be used to test the effectiveness and/or persuasiveness of particular attorneys, witnesses, evidence, demonstratives, and/or various theories, strategies, arguments, and/or defenses. Mock trials are typically conducted in a suitable physical location (e.g., something resembling a courtroom) and require the physical presence at that location of the participants including those acting as jurors and at least one attorney and/or others who are to present their case to the mock jury for their reaction and/or evaluation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Systems, methods, and media providing virtual mock trials and/or various types of virtual focus groups are provided. 
         [0005]    In accordance with some embodiments, methods of providing a presentation to a plurality of remote participants for evaluation of the presentation by at least some of the remote participants are provided, the methods comprising: (1) receiving at a hardware processor information pertaining to a presentation for evaluation; (2) receiving at the hardware processor information pertaining to a plurality of evaluation participants; (3) receiving at the hardware processor a request to initiate an interactive presentation session; (4) generating a first and a second display of the presentation, the first and second displays of the presentation each comprising an arrangement of content, the content comprising at least one of a live-action video, a pre-recorded video, an image, text, interactive actuators or icons, or combinations thereof, wherein the first display has a first set of interactive options and the second display has a second set of interactive options; (5) transmitting via a network the first display of the presentation to a plurality of user devices associated with the plurality of evaluation participants and the second display of the presentation to a user device of at least one other remote participant; and (6) receiving at the hardware processor at least one evaluation of the presentation. 
         [0006]    In accordance with some embodiments, systems for providing a presentation to a plurality of remote participants for evaluation of the presentation by at least some of the remote participants are provided, the systems comprising one or more hardware processors operative to (1) receive information pertaining to a presentation for evaluation; (2) receive information pertaining to a plurality of evaluation participants; (3) receive a request to initiate an interactive presentation session; (4) generate a first and a second display of the presentation, the first and second displays of the presentation each comprising an arrangement of content, the content comprising at least one of a live-action video, a pre-recorded video, an image, text, interactive actuators or icons, or combinations thereof, wherein the first display has a first set of interactive options and the second display has a second set of interactive options; (5) transmit via a network the first display of the presentation to a plurality of user devices associated with the plurality of evaluation participants and the second display of the presentation to a user device of at least one other remote participant; and (6) receive at least one evaluation of the presentation. 
         [0007]    In accordance with some embodiments, non-transitory computer readable media containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of providing a presentation to a plurality of remote participants for evaluation of the presentation by at least some of the remote participants are provided, the method comprising: (1) receiving information pertaining to a presentation for evaluation; (2) receiving information pertaining to a plurality of evaluation participants; (3) receiving a request to initiate an interactive presentation session; (4) generating a first and a second display of the presentation, the first and second displays of the presentation each comprising an arrangement of content, the content comprising at least one of a live-action video, a pre-recorded video, an image, text, interactive actuators or icons, or combinations thereof, wherein the first display has a first set of interactive options and the second display has a second set of interactive options; (5) transmitting via a network the first display of the presentation to a plurality of user devices associated with the plurality of evaluation participants and the second display of the presentation to a user device of at least one other remote participant; and (6) receiving at least one evaluation of the presentation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows an illustrative display screen that can be used to login in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2-11  show illustrative display screens that can be used by a trial manager to set up a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 12-14  show illustrative display screens that can be used by a recruiter to set up juror participation in a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0011]      FIG. 15-18  show illustrative display screens that can be used by a mock juror to set up the juror&#39;s own participation in a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0012]      FIG. 19  shows an illustrative display screen that can be used by a lawyer to perform a pre-trial system check in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 20-30  show illustrative display screens that can be used by a trial manager to control the presentation display of a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 31-35  show illustrative display screens that can be used by observers and/or lawyers to monitor a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments; and 
           [0015]      FIGS. 36-40  show illustrative display screens that can be used by mock jurors to participate in a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Systems, methods, and media for providing virtual mock trials and/or various types of virtual focus groups are provided. 
         [0017]    In accordance with some embodiments, virtual mock trials can be conducted with a variety of user types participating via computers or other suitable user devices coupled to each other via one or more networks, such as, for example, the Internet. Any suitable combination or configuration of wired and/or wireless communication networks, such as, for example, a LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network), VPN (virtual private network), telephone network, and/or cable network may be used alternatively or additionally to the Internet. User types in some embodiments can include evaluation participants, presentation manager participants, observer participants, and/or any other suitable users or remote participants. In the context of a mock trial, user types in some embodiments can include trial managers, jurors, juror forepersons, recruiters, lawyers (e.g., plaintiff attorney and defense attorney), observers, and/or any other suitable users. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, users can use ordinary Web browsers on personal computers (or any other suitable user devices) to connect to one or more servers hosting a mock trial application as described herein. Alternatively, any other suitable presentation application can be used. Users can interact in some embodiments using audio and/or video conferencing via any suitable communications medium, such as the Internet, telephone line, etc. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, a user can first be required to login as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown in example illustrative login screen  100 , users can be prompted to enter an email address at email field  102  (or any other suitable identifier) and/or a password at password field  104 . 
         [0020]    Next, the user, who may be a trial manager, can set up a mock trial using the example illustrative display screens of  FIGS. 2-11 . 
         [0021]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , a trial manager can use in some embodiments a “Trial Schedule” interface  202  of a display screen  200  to view for each trial, the trial&#39;s date  204 , time  206 , case number  208 , title  210 , number of pending jurors  212 , number of accepted jurors  214 , number of client invites  216 , details  218 , and venue information  220 . From this interface, a trial manager can also add a new trial by actuating icon  222  or can launch a trial by actuating icon  224 . In some embodiments, the download venue actuator  220  may be replaced with a registered juror icon or actuator in each row of column  221  that when actuated causes a window to open that shows a list of registered jurors for the trial of that row. In some embodiments, column  223  may be used to indicate the status of each trial, such as, for example, “Scheduled,” “Cancelled,” and/or Completed” (wherein the launch icon  224  may be located elsewhere on interface  202  or deleted from interface  202 ). 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a trial manager can use in some embodiments an “Edit Trial Info” interface  302  of a display screen  300  to view and edit the details of a particular trial by selecting a case number from a drop-down menu  304 . The trial manager can edit the trial&#39;s date  306 , time  308 , title  310 , location  312 , type  314  (e.g., criminal, personal injury, contract, etc.), internal description  316 , and/or any other suitable information. Upon submitting the changes by actuating icon  318 , the user can be prompted in some embodiments as to whether new invitations reflecting the changes should be sent to the trial&#39;s participants. In some embodiments, trial start time drop-down menu  304  may alternatively be replaced with a data field requiring a user to enter a start time. Additionally, in some embodiments, interface  302  may include an additional data field or drop-down menu for adding a trial “end time.” Interface  302  may additionally include a data field or drop-down menu in the Trial Classification section for selecting a city and/or judicial district. Furthermore, in some embodiments, interface  302  may include actuators or icons for adding a new state, city, county, judicial district, and/or trial type. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4A  is an illustrative example of a “Manage Recruitment” interface  402  of a display screen  400  for adding recruiters via data entry field  404  and for approving jurors in accordance with some embodiments. A recruiter may be a person employed to find potential mock trial jurors. Such jurors may be found by a recruiter posting an advertisement, soliciting people at shopping malls, random digit dialing, transmitting an electronic request to email addresses on a distribution list, other industry standard methods, etc. 
         [0024]    When reviewing candidate jurors, a trial manager can select a name of a candidate juror from a drop-down menu  406 , review details about that candidate as shown in information window  408 , and select whether to reject or accept the candidate by actuating either icon  410  or  412 , respectively. Mock trials can have any suitable number of jurors, such as, for example, 12 to 40 jurors. Once an entire jury is recruited, the trial manager can make final approvals, at which point an automated email containing demographic information can be emailed to email accounts previously provided by clients/observers/attorneys. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4B  is an illustrative example of a “Manage Recruitment” interface  403  of a display screen  401  for providing information about potential jurors such as, for example, total juror target, gender, age range, race, and/or education. 
         [0026]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a trial manager can use in some embodiments a “Send Invites” interface  502  of a display screen  500  to send out invitations with user specific log-in information for different user types. For example, a trial manager can send out invitations to defense and plaintiff lawyers  504  with corresponding email addresses and names. In another example, a trial manager can send out invitations to client observers  506 , specifying a company name, a contact, an email address, a name, etc. In some embodiments, the following three types of invitations to a mock trial can be supported: invitations to jurors, invitations to trial managers  508 , and invitations to individuals from a sponsoring customer firm, attorneys, and/or observers. In yet another example, a trial manager can send invitations to other trial managers. In some embodiments, auto suggestion can be used to speed the entering of a name of a user, firm, or customer for whom the mock trial will take place. 
         [0027]    Automated emails can be sent with a welcome message to email addresses of participants (of any kind) whose data has been entered. These emails can include a link back to a test page (described further below) wherein the participant&#39;s connectivity, camera, and operating system can be tested to determine whether they are within given performance requirements. An automated email with a schedule, listing of materials, general participation information, and any other suitable information can additionally or alternatively be sent. A demonstration of how the system works can further be provided in some embodiments to familiarize participants with the system. Permissions can be set by the trial manager to restrict access to specified areas and functionality based on user types. If a trial manager adds an email address to a list that has already been sent email invites, another email invite can be generated and sent to the user of the added email address. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , a “Venue Analysis” interface  602  of a display screen  600  can be provided for performing venue analysis. As shown, name and demographic information (for example) for a venue can be shown in information window  604 . Such information can include, for example, the name of the venue, average age, majority ethnicity, zip (or postal) code, average salary, etc. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a “Data” interface  603  of a display screen  601  can be provided for downloading, for example, trial polling results (by actuating icon  605 ) and/or persuasion data (by actuating icon  607 ). Alternatively or additionally, icons for downloading other types of reports can be provided. In some embodiments, mock trials and/or other associated activities (e.g., breakout sessions, deliberation sessions, etc.) can be recorded (audio and/or video). Interface  603  can be used to download such recordings by actuating, for example, main trial video icon  609  and/or deliberation room # 1  video icon  611 . Alternatively or additionally, icons for downloading other types of recordings can be provided. 
         [0030]    Using an interface such as illustrative “Trial Resources” interface  702  of a display screen  700 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , a trial manager can additionally control trial resources that can be used at a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments. For example, for each resource, a trial manager can view a resource identifier  704 , a date added  706 , a type  708 , a case number  710 , a title  712 , etc. The trial manager can also select a view/edit actuator  714  to view or edit information regarding a listed resource. The trial manager can further select a delete actuator  716  to delete a resource from the list, and/or select icon  718  to add a resource to the list. For example, when a trial manager selects a view/edit actuator  714  for a resource, the corresponding information can be displayed and edited via an interface such as interface  802  of a display screen  800 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . As shown, the manager can select, for example, ResourceID  43  from a drop-down menu  804  and edit/create/select a type of resource from a drop-down menu  806  (e.g., a verdict form), a title  808 , an applicable case number from drop-down menu  810 , and various types of questions and question types  812  (e.g., those having multiple choice answers, check boxes, etc.) related to that resource. In some embodiments, the trial manager can also view, edit, and add multimedia resources such as a video and/or images of different file formats. An example of a user interface for performing this is an interface  902  of a display screen  900 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Using interface  902 , the manager can specify a Resource ID  904 , a type  906 , a title  908 , a case number  910 , a file to be uploaded  912 , etc. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a trial manager can use an interface such as a “Client Management” interface  1002  of display screen  1000  to manage client contacts in some embodiments. For example, when adding a contact, a trial manager can select or enter a company name using drop-down menu  1004 , a personal name using data field  1006 , an email address using data field  1008 , and/or any other suitable information using, for example, data field  1010 . The trial manager can also edit and/or delete contact information using edit actuator  1012  and delete actuator  1014 . To find a contact in a long list, a search function  1016  may also be provided. In some embodiments, permission levels for contacts can also be set. Furthermore, in some embodiments, interface  1002  may include a data field for entering a telephone number, an additional column in list  1018  listing telephone numbers on each row, and/or an additional column in list  1018  displaying an actuator on each row for resetting a password. 
         [0032]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a trial launch interface display  1100  for launching a mock trial in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the trial manager can view information for jurors in window  1102 , for lawyers in window  1104 , and for observers in window  1106 . For example, for jurors, the manager can view the name, email address, phone number, status, and conference line mute state for each juror in window  1102 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the trial manager can see a juror&#39;s polling responses to, for example, general background and opinion questions. Similarly, for each lawyer, the manager can view the name, plaintiff/defendant side, status, and conference line mute state in window  1104 , and for each observer, the manager can view the name, status, and conference line mute state in window  1106 . Any other suitable information can additionally or alternatively be displayed. When the trial manager is ready, the trial can be launched by pressing a corresponding icon  1108 . 
         [0033]    A recruiter user can set up juror participation in a mock trial as illustrated in the example display screens of  FIGS. 12-14 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , a recruiter can use, for example, an “Add a New Juror Candidate” interface  1202  of a display screen  1200  to enter jurors&#39; names and information. In some embodiments, interface  1202  can include data fields or drop-down menus for entering an email address, home and mobile telephone numbers, a fax number, family income, political affiliation, education, employment status, and/or marital status. When the recruiter enters a new juror&#39;s information, an email can be automatically generated and sent to that juror with further registration instructions. An email can also be automatically generated and sent to the trial manager describing the current status of a mock jury being formed. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, a recruiter can use, for example, a “Pending Candidate—Actions” interface  1302  of a display screen  1300  and/or a “Juror Acceptance/Rejection” interface  1402  of a display screen  1400 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , respectively, to view juror candidates&#39; recent status and information in, for example, window  1304  of  FIG. 13  and windows  1404  and  1406  of  FIG. 14 , and accordingly follow up with jurors who have not completed required actions. 
         [0036]    A mock juror can set up his or her participation in a mock trial as illustrated in the example display screens of  FIGS. 15-18 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a user interface display  1500  for an enrollment form that requests personal information for a person wanting to be a mock trial juror. The enrollment form can contain a number of fields requesting personal information for the juror to complete and can also contain participation agreement language. As shown, this information can include name  1502 , gender  1504 , birth date  1506 , race/ethnicity  1508 , address  1510 , and/or any other suitable information. In response to participation agreement language, a juror can check a box to indicate that he/she has read and agrees to the participation agreement. In some embodiments, upon a juror agreeing to participate, the following can occur: 1) a status message can be displayed thanking the potential juror and alerting him/her to check for an email indicating final approval and an assignment; 2) the juror&#39;s record can be added to a list of jurors in a database; and 3) an automated email can be generated and sent to an email address provided by the trial manager informing the trial manager that the juror is registered. Additionally or alternatively, any other suitable actions can occur. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, a juror may be enabled to select an avatar  1602  as illustrated in display screen  1600  of  FIG. 16  and/or may upload a photo of himself/herself. 
         [0039]    A juror may also be prompted to perform a system check in some embodiments. For example, a juror may receive an email that includes a link back to a system test page. Here potential jurors&#39; connectivity, camera, and operating system can be tested to determine whether they are within given performance bounds as illustrated in example display screens  1700  and  1800  of  FIGS. 17 and 18 , respectively. 
         [0040]    Once a juror has gone through the system test, one of two interface messages may be displayed: a success message or a polite notice declining to work with that juror until the juror has made technology upgrades that can meet minimum system requirements and then re-applies to become a mock trial juror. 
         [0041]    As similarly illustrated by a display screen  1900  of  FIG. 19A , a lawyer (and/or any other user, such as a client observer) can be required to perform a pre-trial system check. Lawyers (and clients/observers, etc.) can receive deadline reminders to test their cameras and connectivity and to submit materials (which may be for lawyers only). 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, jurors, lawyers, and/or any other user that successfully completes a pre-trial system check may be presented with a display screen  1901  of  FIG. 19B . Display screen  1901  indicates that various aspects of a user&#39;s system, such as, for example, JavaScript, Flash Player, Browser, Bandwidth, and RTMP Port Status, meet minimum system requirements as indicated by the checkmarks on the right side of the screen. Upon completion of a successful system check, a user may actuate a “Next Step” icon  1903 . 
         [0043]    Based on the date that a trial manager has set for a mock trial, reminder emails can be automatically sent at any suitable interval(s) to the trial&#39;s participants. In some embodiments, participants can receive up to five session reminders. Alternatively, any other suitable number of reminder emails may be sent. 
         [0044]    Once a trial has been launched, a trial manager can control a mock trial using interfaces such as the example illustrative display screens of  FIGS. 20-30 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , a mock trial courtroom display screen interface  2000  can be presented. This interface can include a jury section or area  2002  that may include avatars  2004  to represent the jurors forming the mock trial jury. Alternatively or additionally, photos of the jurors, names for the jurors, etc., can be presented. In some embodiments, juror avatars can be dynamic so that in response to being actuated or “moused-over,” the avatar may enlarge, an information pop-up may be displayed, and/or the depth perception may shift so that the avatar moves to the front of the view. Any other suitable information and/or effects may be performed additionally or alternatively. In some embodiments, jury section  2002  shows two horizontal juror rows that can be filled in a priority order so the jury seating looks as natural as possible. In some embodiments, dynamic resizing of jurors, or a packing layout, can be used to reflect varying levels of juror participation. An indicator  2006  can be provided in some embodiments for each juror to show how persuaded the juror is by a current argument or presentation (i.e., the juror&#39;s persuasion level). Such an indicator can be represented as a bar-graph bar in a box overlapping the juror&#39;s avatar (as shown in  FIG. 20 ). Any other suitable indicator can additionally or alternatively be used in some embodiments. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a lawyer can be presented in a lawyer section  2008  in some embodiments of courtroom display screen  2000 . The lawyer may be represented in courtroom interface  2000  by an avatar, picture, live video display via web-cam, etc. Lawyer section  2008  can also indicate whether the lawyer is with the defense or plaintiff. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, an evidence window  2010  can be displayed that shows any suitable evidence to the mock jury. This window can include a title as well as the content of the evidence. Any suitable content can be presented in the evidence window. For example, in some embodiments, PowerPoint documents; Word documents; PDFs; video; animated, still, and/or graphical images; etc. can be presented. When displayed in courtroom display screen  2000 , this content can be presented to all or any subset of the mock trial participants. 
         [0048]    Annotation tools  2012  (e.g., text, lines, arrows, rectangles, etc.) can be provided in some embodiments to enable the trial manager, lawyer, etc. to annotate evidence for display to the jurors. Such users can be enabled to live-annotate exported presentations and images, which can be visible to users logged in to the trial at that time. Annotated files can be locally cached on user devices/machines. In some embodiments, trial managers can call up previously annotated images for trial participants. 
         [0049]    The courtroom view shown in  FIG. 20  can also include menu options (shown here on the right edge of display screen  2000 ), such as, for example, a help option  2014 , a Managing Trial option  2016 , a Managing People option  2018 , and a Messaging option  2020 . Additionally or alternatively, other suitable menu options can be provided in display screen  2000  in some embodiments. 
         [0050]    In response to actuating Managing Trial option  2016 , a managing trial window  2102  opens in display screen  2100  of  FIG. 21  in some embodiments. In window  2102 , a trial manager can turn recording of the trial on/off by actuating icon  2104 , change the lawyer who is presenting to the jury by actuating icon  2106 , start any suitable number of breakout sessions by actuating icon  2108 , post a verdict form by actuating icon  2110 , end the trial by actuating icon  2112 , and/or perform any other suitable function. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate examples of interfaces via which a trial manager can view status and can control the audio of different user types by actuating the managing people option. For example, using the interface display screen  2200  of  FIG. 22 , the manager can view a list of observers in a window  2202  that shows the names of the observers, their online status, and their audio status. The trial manager can control whether the observer&#39;s audio is muted or not by actuating an icon  2204  for a particular observer. In some embodiments, the trial manager can additionally invite other observers by using a data entry field  2206  and a send invite icon  2208 . Similarly, using the interface display screen  2300  of  FIG. 23 , the trial manager can view a list of mock trial jurors in a window  2302  that shows the names of the jurors, their online status, and their audio status. The trial manager can control whether or not to mute all of juror&#39;s audio by actuating an icon  2304 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 24  illustrates an example of an interface that can be used by a trial manager to manage the lawyers participating in a mock trial. In some embodiments, a window  2402  opens in a display  2400  in response to actuating the managing people option. The trial manager can view the lawyer presenting (in this example, Matlock Holmes for the defense), select a different lawyer to present by actuating one of options  2404 , or switch to no lawyer presenting by actuating icon  2406 . Additional lawyers can also be invited in some embodiments by using a data entry field  2408  and a send invite icon  2410 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, a trial manager and/or a juror can be alerted when the juror is distracted. This can be determined, for example, by the juror dropping off a conference call, not responding to an on-screen participation verification check, opening another window in the foreground of the juror&#39;s computer or user device, not adjusting his/her persuasiveness level for a given period of time, not answering poll questions, etc. 
         [0054]      FIG. 25  illustrates an example of an interface that can be used in some embodiments by a trial manager in response to a distracted juror. As shown in a display screen  2500 , a distracted juror  2502  is indicated in a jury section  2504 . In response to such an indication, a juror distraction window  2506  opens in display screen  2500 . The trial manager can dismiss (or “boot”) the juror by actuating an icon  2508 , ban the juror by actuating an icon  2510 , send an SMS or email message to the juror by actuating an icon  2512 , nudge the juror by actuating an icon  2514 , send a whisper to the juror (described below) by actuating an icon  2516 , and/or take any other suitable action. For example, a trial manager can nudge a juror by causing that juror&#39;s display window to shake and/or by causing that user&#39;s computer or user device to emit a sound. Booting and/or banning the juror may result in the termination of the transmission of the mock trial presentation display to the distracted juror in some embodiments. 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIG. 26 , when a juror wishes to communicate (e.g., by “raising his or her hand”), the trial manager can be alerted in some embodiments by a raised-hand juror  2602  as shown in a display screen  2600 . In response, a window  2604  opens in which the manager can dismiss or boot the juror by actuating an icon  2606 , ban the juror by actuating an icon  2608 , send a whisper to the juror (described below) by actuating an icon  2610 , and/or take any other suitable action. 
         [0056]      FIG. 27  illustrates an example of an interface for selecting a poll to be presented to users and for previewing and publishing the results of such a poll. In response to actuating the managing trial option, a polling window  2702  opens in a display screen  2700 . An editable library of questionnaires can be provided for polling (as described above). From this library, questionnaire(s) to be displayed at a particular mock trial can be selected. In some embodiments, the questionnaires may be displayed to jurors/forepersons only. In some embodiments, questionnaires can be displayed automatically upon an attorney&#39;s indicating that he or she is done with a particular segment or presentation of a mock trial. 
         [0057]    A chat or whisper window can be presented to users in some embodiments as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . As shown, a chat/whisper window  2802  can open in a display screen  2800 . This window can be presented in response to a user other than the trial manager initiating the chat, or can be presented in response to the trial manager selecting the messaging option. In some embodiments, jurors may only be able to chat with certain types of users, such as trial managers. Clients, observers, and trial managers may be able to chat with each other, in some embodiments, either all at once or with select individual users with these roles. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate examples of interfaces for breakout sessions. As shown in a display screen  2900  of  FIG. 29 , a trial manager can manage assignments for various breakout sessions in different rooms by using, for example, a juror window  2902 , a breakout room # 1  window  2904 , and a breakout room # 2  window  2906 . A trial manager can add selected jurors to breakout rooms by using icons  2908  and  2910 , remove jurors from breakout rooms by using icons  2912  and  2914 , select a juror as a foreperson by using icons  2916  and  2918 , start a breakout session by using an icon  2920 , and/or by performing any other suitable action. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, jurors can be automatically assigned to a breakout room upon triggering a breakout session based on juror demographics, persuasion levels, etc. This can be done to automatically split the jurors into reasonably diverse groups. Any suitable number of attributes, such as poll answers, gender, ethnicity, age, etc., can be considered. 
         [0060]    Once in the breakout room, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , jurors&#39; avatars  3002 , images  3004 , etc. can be displayed in a breakout room display screen  3000 . Evidence can also be displayed and annotated in an evidence window  3006  of display screen  3000 . Breakout room display screen  3000  can further display verdict forms that can be filled out by the participants in the breakout room. In some embodiments, participants in a particular breakout room can talk to each other via a video conference, audio conference, chat session, and/or any other suitable communication method. For example, breakout room participants can be programmatically bridged into one conference call number for a mock trial and then into separate conference call numbers for deliberation breakouts. In this way, the jurors can discuss their reactions to the arguments they have heard. 
         [0061]    Observers and/or lawyers can monitor a mock trial using interfaces such as the example illustrative display screens of  FIGS. 31-35 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 31 , a courtroom interface display screen  3100  similar to that shown in  FIG. 20  can be presented to clients/observers in accordance with some embodiments. Unlike the interface in  FIG. 20 , however, interface display screen  3100  can include different menu options, such as, for example, a People option  3102 , a Report Results option  3104 , and a Venue Analysis option  3106 , because the client/observer user type may not be permitted to manage the trial or people. 
         [0063]    In accordance with some embodiments,  FIG. 32  illustrates an interface display screen  3200  similar to interface display screen  3100  that may be presented to lawyer participants except that, as shown, persuasiveness levels may not be presented to lawyers when arguing so that their argument is not dynamically given feedback by the mock jurors. 
         [0064]    As shown in a display screen  3300  of  FIG. 33 , a lawyer can in some embodiments “mouse-over” or actuate a juror representation  3302  to view profile information  3304  pertaining to that juror. Certain details in this profile information may be time dependent, such as the juror&#39;s persuasiveness level after, for example, the plaintiffs case has been presented and/or after the defense&#39;s case has been presented. 
         [0065]    Lawyers and clients/observers may be able in some embodiments to view poll/questionnaire results as illustrated in a display screen  3400  of  FIG. 34  by selecting the report results option (such as Report Results option  3104  of  FIG. 31  or Report Results option  3306  of  FIG. 33 ). Results of polling may be shown as bar graphs. The trial manager can have the ability to restrict access to this function so that it is only available at certain times (such as, for example, during the mock trial, after a plaintiff presentation, after a defendant presentation, after a summation argument, after the mock trial, etc.). 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, a venue interface similar to that described above in connection with  FIG. 6  can be presented as illustrated by a display screen  3500  of  FIG. 35  in response to selecting the venue option (such as Venue Analysis option  3106  of  FIG. 31  or Venue Analysis option  3308  of  FIG. 33 ). 
         [0067]    Mock jurors can participate in a mock trial using interfaces such as the example illustrative display screens of  FIGS. 36-40  in accordance with some embodiments. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 36 , a courtroom interface display screen  3600  similar to that shown in  FIG. 20  can be presented to jurors. As illustrated, however, the juror may only be shown the persuasiveness level  3602  for that juror. This persuasiveness level may be set by the juror by adjusting plus and minus persuasiveness bar icons  3604  and  3606 , respectively, under a lawyer icon  3608 . The juror may also be given a button  3610  to “raise his/her hand” to ask a question of the trial manager or lawyer (e.g., if the lawyer gives permission). A chat window may then be presented for the juror to ask his/her question. In some embodiments, the jurors can be prevented from seeing the names of clients/observers viewing the mock trial and will not be able to contact clients/observers. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, interface display screen  3600  can also present a juror with menu options to “whisper” and see “poll questions.” Upon selecting a poll questions option  3612  in  FIG. 36 , a juror may be presented with a poll screen display  3700  as shown in  FIG. 37  in accordance with some embodiments. Poll screen display  3700  may present the juror with a series of questions  3702  each requiring a selection of one of a several multiple choice responses  3704 . Upon selecting a whisper option  3614  in  FIG. 36 , a juror may be presented with a chat window  3802  of display screen  3800  as illustrated in  FIG. 38  in accordance with some embodiments. The juror may type a message in message field  3804  of the chat window. 
         [0070]    A breakout room display  3900  can be presented as shown in  FIG. 39  to jurors upon a breakout session being triggered by a trial manager in some embodiments. As shown, a juror may have options to chat or whisper by actuating icon  3902 , raise his/her hand by actuating icon  3904 , and/or vote yes by actuating icon  3906  or no by actuating icon  3908 . 
         [0071]    When the mock trial attorney presentations have ended, the trial manager may in some embodiments cause a verdict form  4002  to be presented to the mock jurors as illustrated in a display screen  4000  of  FIG. 40 . As illustrated, the juror (or a foreperson only) can fill out the verdict form. All jurors can raise his/her hand by actuating icon  4004 , can vote yes by actuating icon  4006  or no by actuating icon  4008 , can see other raised hands  4010 , and can see other votes  4012 . 
         [0072]    In accordance with some embodiments, the techniques described herein can be implemented at least in part in one or more computer systems. Such computer systems can be servers, user computers, user mobile devices, etc. These computer systems can be any of a general purpose device such as a computer or a special purpose device such as a client, a server, etc. Any of these general or special purpose devices can include any suitable components such as a hardware processor (which can be a microprocessor, digital signal processor, a controller, etc.), memory, communication interfaces, display controllers, input devices, etc. A relational database can also be provided to store user data. This data can include text and tabular reports on the findings of the mock trial. Data can be gathered through polls, questionnaires, and verdict forms. This data can also include recordings of the sessions during the mock trial, materials used during the mock trial, etc. 
         [0073]    In some embodiments, any suitable computer readable media can be used for storing instructions for performing the processes described herein. For example, in some embodiments, computer readable media can be transitory or non-transitory. For example, non-transitory computer readable media can include media such as magnetic media (such as hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical media (such as compact discs, digital video discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), semiconductor media (such as flash memory, electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), etc.), any suitable media that is not fleeting or devoid of any semblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitable tangible media. As another example, transitory computer readable media can include signals on networks, in wires, conductors, optical fibers, circuits, any suitable media that is fleeting and devoid of any semblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitable intangible media. 
         [0074]    Note that the invention is not limited to providing virtual mock trials, but can also be used to provide various types of virtual focus groups. Such focus groups can be used to evaluate or give opinions on, for example, various concepts, ideas, products, services, packaging, advertisements, television commercials, political issues and/or campaigns, current events, social issues, and/or any other suitable topic or matter. 
         [0075]    Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.