The Minnesota Association for Justice’s (MAJ) Mock Trial/Jury Focus Group service is an exclusive service offered to MAJ members in good standing. This high-quality, professional service is unique to MAJ and rarely offered by other bar associations.
MAJ offers a number of options for assessing your case with the public - each option is tailored to the specific needs of your case.
MAJ Mock Trial/Focus Groups can be used to:
- determine problem areas of your case
- tailor legal theories and arguments
- help determine what a jury may award in damages
- resolve attorney/client conflicts about the value of a case
- test specific legal issues and the attitude differentiation between types of jurors:
- men and women
- particular geographical areas and,
- different age groups
We know that every case presents its own unique circumstances, so we offer three options to choose from so you can pick the option that best meets your needs:
Option One – The Focus Group
Option one is best suited to addressing a specific legal issue in a case. We recommend that members limit the analysis to one legal issue (e.g. causation). This targeted focus group can be used as a mini-trial and includes juror deliberations but is best suited for a moderated discussion format to ascertain participants (jurors) opinions.
Option Two – The Mini-Mock Trial
The Mini-Mock Trial (MMT) is a four-hour mock trial complete with case presentation, closing arguments and rebuttal. The participants (jurors) deliberate and are expected to fill out a prepared Special Verdict form. This option provides MAJ members with a venue to test all aspects of their case.
Option Three – The Mock Trial
The Mock Trial (MT) is a longer format focus group lasting a full day. This option allows more time for opening statements and presentation of evidence, and short closing arguments. The participants (jurors) deliberate and are expected to fill out a prepared Special Verdict form. The MT is ideal for complex cases or when assessing numerous legal issues in a case. This option is only offered on Saturday’s when using the MAJ facility. (Please consult MAJ staff for alternative options & locations)
Option Four – Virtual Focus Group
The Virtual Focus Group is best suited to addressing a specific legal issue in a case, like our in person focus group only done through Zoom. We recommend that members limit the analysis to one legal issue (e.g. causation). This targeted focus group can be used as a mini-trial and includes juror deliberations but is best suited for a moderated discussion format to ascertain participants (jurors) opinions. We record the session and provide access to the digital recording at the conclusion of the virtual focus group.
The MAJ Mock Trial service includes:
- Recruiting & screening of participants (jurors)
- Juror compensation
- stipend
- parking reimbursement
- Meal(s) – breakfast, lunch and/or dinner
- Facility*
- High-quality video recording of deliberations
- DVD
- Equipment –
- laptop
- LCD projector
- document camera
- laser pointer
- screen
- easel
- microphone & speakers
*Please Note: The MAJ Mock Trial/Focus Group service is not limited to the MAJ facility. We offer this service wherever a case is venued or in a similar nearby county. Additional fees may apply in these circumstances. Contact MAJ for more details or download our information packet here.