Courthouse Gallery

The United States Courthouse is located in downtown Tampa. Built in 1905, it is the oldest government building in Tampa. The courthouse is a four story structure built with Renaissance and Classical Revival design elements. The 1905 courthouse, a National Register of Historic Places landmark; the new courthouse, which opened in 1998, is shown in the background of the photo.

Juror Demographics: Attorneys Versus Psychologists
Substantial debate has persisted for many years between attorneys and psychologists on the issue of juror demographics. For over 100 years, attorneys have received advice from other attorneys suggesting that demographic factors (such as gender, race, age, etc.) are predictive of verdict. This type of jury selection advice, focusing on notions which are often sexist, racist, and ageist, has attained a "folklore" status by virtue of being passed along across generations of attorneys. Psychological research, in contrast, has largely been ignored by teachers of trial advocacy. It is a commonly accepted fact within psychology, and other social sciences, that demographic characteristics are not predictive of verdict. Focusing on demographics produces stereotypical judgments which, in turn, lead to erroneous decision making. Jurors' case specific attitudes, rather than demographics, ultimately determine how they will decide a case.

Call the experts at Magnus to change your focus from demographics to case specific attitudes.