Objectives of Fair and Just Deliberations

Improve juror communication for more efficient trial outcomes.

Promote a system that encourages structured, systematic discussion and minimizes argument.

First, Listen

Listen to understand, not just respond! Listening in interactions such as dialogue and discussion is informative. Information is the basis for establishing what is known or not known in the form of facts. Listening can build trust, if genuine. Trusted Listening develops more productive and satisfying outcomes.

Save public money by more efficient use of deliberation time, reducing mistrials and unaffordable court costs. Reallocate these resources to improve jury processes and pay for criminal justice reform in general.

How It Works: The Court’s Role

• Simply, offer the jury the option of using Fair and Just Deliberations or finding their own way.
• Make the DVD available via court website, pre-trial pool orientation, and allow jurors to refer to it and the pocket guides in jury deliberation.
• Structured notetaking should be encouraged during the trial.