Jury Consultants in the Spotlight

With the murder trial of music producer Phil Specter under way and the jury selection process known as voir dire at center stage, expensive jury consultants find themselves in the spotlight.

Literally translated voir dire means "to speak the truth." Is it fair to use consultants to assist in the selection process, and if so what should be the extent of their involvement?

Lawyers will use high-priced consultants for Spector trial jury selection
from Los Angeles Times latimes.com
By Peter Y. Hong, Times Staff Writer
1:19 PM PDT, April 16, 2007

The murder trial of Phil Spector began in earnest today as potential jurors crowded into the courtroom for questioning by lawyers.

Judge Larry Paul Fidler spent about a half-hour directing potential jurors on proper courtroom behavior and reassured them that if they are selected, their faces will not be broadcast during the televised trial. By the time he finished, it was time for the noon lunch break.

Trial by a jury of one's peers is a fundamental American right. But when the defendant is a millionaire music legend accused of murder, picking those "peers" becomes a high-stakes battle of wits and means . . .