Issue Evaluation Liability & Damages Analysis Voir Dire Services
Witness Services Continuing Legal Education

Issue Evaluation Research Methodologies
Issue Evaluation Research Methodologies are designed to be utilized early in a case, often, to assist in the discovery process. These methods are useful for unique cases and for cases with complex issues. The designation of Issue Evaluation indicates a non-adversarial approach to the research process. In addition, Issue Evaluation services provide for a greater level of understanding about the trial venue which can be used for venue evaluation and juror profiling.

Magnus contacts a large sample of jury-eligible respondents by telephone and records their responses on a custom designed survey. A Community Attitude Survey provides the basis for evaluating how perceptions of pertinent case issues will impact the outcome of the case and are warranted when: the issues or parties involved in the litigation are high profile; the case issues are unique; juror profiling is desired; and there is a need to determine if venue change motions can be supported. Survey data may be analyzed to measure changes in decision-making over time.

A Case Analysis Survey polls mock jurors to determine attitudes and perceptions regarding key issues of lawsuit and are recommended for complex lawsuits to aid in structuring discovery around what the mock jurors want to know, or need to know. The case synopsis is presented live or on videotape to the mock jurors, who are jury eligible citizens in the trial venue. Individual responses are measured using questionnaires and group discussion is encouraged at predetermined intervals in an issue by issue fashion. Magnus tabulates, analyzes, and provides thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the findings.

The Focus Group is a loosely structured, informal discussion, among the attorney, psychologist, and mock jurors and is designed to allow for a discussion of pertinent case issues, to assess mock jurors' reactions to case facts, and to examine the human dynamics involved in the case. Focus Groups can provide preliminary identification of case strengths and weaknesses by evaluating case issues which are important to jurors.

Venue DataLink SM is Magnus' proprietary database. It is composed of population demographics, plus survey responses from thousands of jury eligible citizens on a variety of issues. Information can be obtained by venue, case type, or other factors. Venue DataLink provides an efficient, cost effective way to assess the underlying characteristics of jury eligible citizens and examines how these characteristics impact their views of a case.

Magnus' Litigation Consultants provide their insights to the litigator in order to evaluate critical case issues. The consultant's scientific perspective and considerable experience on a wide array of cases can benefit the litigator as he or she considers fact finders' reactions to crucial aspects of the case.

Magnus compiles, reviews, and evaluates media coverage on a case and provides feedback to the trial team regarding the impact of media coverage on the population. Media Analysis may be a part of a larger study involving Focus Groups or Community Attitude Surveys.

Magnus Research Consultants conducts empirical research to study areas of interest with regard to specific issues or concerns. For example: What do people think of doctors, hospitals, or insurance companies (and how does this relate to verdicts)? How do individual decisions relate to verdict outcome?

Magnus explores ideas for basic scientific research at any time. If you, or your firm, are interested in research on a specific topic, please contact Magnus to explore the feasibility of the research.