Addressing Jurors in Aviation Cases

Excerpted from Litigating the Aviation Case: From Pre-Trial to Closing Argument, Third Edition

Edited by Andrew J. Harakas

In an aviation case, the attorney typically must educate the jurors about complex evidence and then persuade them to adopt a theory. For example, in an aviation product liability case, evidence will likely involve detailed expert analyses and testimony about the operation of the component at issue, the failure mechanism involved, and how the alleged failure of the component caused or contributed to the accident.

This task is made far easier by the judicious use of demonstrative evidence. Aids to the explanation of data or events and persuasion of the jury can provide accurate representations and debunk opposing theories. Such evidence can also prevent jurors from using limited information derived from their own life experiences to form the basis for a decision rather than adopting the theory that a party and its experts have presented at trial.

Sponsoring Entity:

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section