“The Velvet Hammer” Blog

If the defense was to bring their jury consultant back, there would be major problems. First, no room for that person to sit. Second, the jurors’ faces are covered by masks. You can see no expression. Every so often you can see someone nod. But there is no real rhyme or reason to that. They are also spread out across the entire courtroom. You can’t glance over at them. You’d have to scan dozens of linear feet.

Part of my being in trial, includes feeling of the jury. Now they are physically hidden. Still, can sense something. They are calm. They are not restless. No one is dozing. They are paying close attention. Some taking notes.

Did I tell you that Steve F. got in trouble yesterday. Almost enough to satisfy me. But not quite.

In the middle of damages opening. Tell the jury that the defense expert doctor is going to say he did not feel pain. Steve is hopping up. Objecting on top of my sentence. We aren’t calling any such witness – he charges. Judge Parisien calls a non-socially distanced sidebar in the corner of the conference room perfectly in sight of everyone.