Among them are providing better access to jury trials, improving the ability of jurors comprehend and recall evidence and legal instructions, and aiding the jury to formulate appropriate verdicts and awards. Attention also is given to such matters of concern as the various types of cost associated with trial by jury, scheduling of juror time, the function of alternates, and the juror selection process. The book has several distinct parts. Chapters 5 through 8 deal with the attitudes toward trial by jury held by lawyers, judges, litigants, former jurors, and the public at large, as well as with the current state of knowledge about the work of the jury. Chapters 9 through 13 introduce most of the improvements noted above.
Judges also can err.
The strengths and the weaknesses of the civil jury receive attention. Possible negative as well as positive consequences of reform are carefully explored. A spirit of fair-mindedness and generosity characterizes most of the book. There is the resurrection of the jury-phobic tale that juries, above all, are responsible for the delays in civil litigation. Some authors manifest an excessively sanguine outlook on the future prospects of trial by jury.