Learn with the ASTC
In addition to our Annual Conference, the ASTC coordinates and provides access to speaking engagements, workshops, and webinars focused on gaining insight for our profession and providing an educational conduit for our member base.
Public trust in American institutions has been declining for decades. The purpose of this white paper is to briefly review trends in trust reduction related to the justice system institutions—law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and Congress—and to present new survey research on Americans’ views on the justice system, the significant drop in the public’s confidence in the system, and potential reforms that might restore that trust and confidence in these important institutions.
Projects and Reports
After conducting a national survey showing widespread distrust in different aspects of the justice system, the Trust in Justice Project facilitated a number of focus groups and interviews to delve deeper into the public’s experiences, expectations, and emotions behind these beliefs. This report outlines the feedback from our focus group participants, our analysis of the systemic and cultural causes of these issues, and suggested improvements to the justice system, both from our participants and our additional research.
The ASTC Peremptory Challenges Task Force is engaged in research and dialogue with courts across the country to address discriminatory practices that decrease the representativeness and diversity of juries, but opposes eliminating peremptory challenges as a solution. The Task Force’s position paper outlines the history and issues with peremptory challenges, and proposes more effective jury selection practices that will improve the jury selection process, expand outreach to the venire, increase juror participation, improve juror experience, and ensure the appropriate use of challenges for cause and peremptory challenges.
At the behest of the late Steve Susman, ASTC formed a team to collaborate with academics and legal professionals on a significant, multi-year initiative, The Civil Jury Project at NYU School of Law, aimed at examining the evolving role and diminishing frequency of jury trials in the civil justice system. This project, through a survey conducted by ASTC members, seeks to understand attorneys' experiences and perceptions regarding the decline of jury trials, exploring potential innovations and solutions to revitalize this foundational aspect of the legal process. ASTC would like to recognize the following who participated in the project: Charlotte Morris (project leader), Tara Trask, David Barnard, Jeffrey Frederick, Pete Rowland, Susan Macpherson, with special thanks to Steve Susman and Richard Jolly.
Projects and Reports
Past ASTC Conferences
Upcoming Events
Multiple DatesFri, Oct 04Virtual Networking EventOct 04, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventOct 04, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventAre you looking to engage with fellow ASTC members, discuss the latest trends in trial consulting, or learn about the committees you can join? Do you want advice on current best practices? If so, please drop in and say "hi" during our monthly First Friday Connection!- Multiple DatesWed, Oct 09Conference call dial-in: (605) 313-548Oct 09, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMConference call dial-in: (605) 313-548
Multiple DatesFri, Sep 06Virtual Networking EventSep 06, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventSep 06, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventAre you looking to engage with fellow ASTC members, discuss the latest trends in trial consulting, or learn about the committees you can join? Do you want advice on current best practices? If so, please drop in and say "hi" during our monthly First Friday Connection!
Fri, Jul 12Virtual Networking EventJul 12, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventJul 12, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PDTVirtual Networking EventWould you like to seek advice regarding current best practices among consultants? Want to learn the latest pulse or trends in the trial consulting community? Or do you simply want to engage with other members of the ASTC? If so, please drop in and say "hi" during our monthly First Friday Connection!
Thu, May 30Yours Truly HotelMay 30, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT – Jun 01, 2024, 5:00 PM EDTYours Truly Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA- Fri, May 03Virtual Networking EventMay 03, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AMVirtual Networking EventMay 03, 2024, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AMVirtual Networking EventWould you like to seek advice regarding current best practices among consultants? Want to learn the latest pulse or trends in the trial consulting community? Or do you simply want to engage with other members of the ASTC? If so, please drop in and say "hi" during our monthly First Friday Connection!
Thu, May 02WebinarMay 02, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM PDTWebinar
-
Using AI in Qualitative Analysis (May 2024)
-
AI and Trial Consulting (April 2024)
-
Mastering Collaborative Success with Mock Trial Recruiting and Venue Partners - Part 2 (January 2024)
-
Mastering Collaborative Success with Mock Trial Recruiting and Venue Partners - Part 1 (November 2023)
-
Civil Mock Jury Selection Workshop (June 2023)
-
How a Profiler Picks a Jury (April 2023)
-
Criminal Mock Jury Selection Webinar (March 2023)
-
Financial Management Webinar (November 2022)
-
Online Qualitative Research Webinar (February 2021)
-
How to Network in Corona Virus Times: Connecting, Creating, and Collaborating (December 2020)
-
Presentation Skills: Confidence, Content, and Connection (March 2020)
Voir Dire Masterclass
-
Voir Dire Goals & Philosophy
-
Voir Dire Strategy
-
Creating a Juror Profile
-
Presence in the Courtroom
Linda Janda v. Michael A. Zulian, D.D.S.
Other Resources
Hardy, Alexis
Salerno, et al. (2021)
The impact of minimal versus extended voir dire and judicial rehabilitation on mock jurors' decisions in civil cases. Law and Human Behavior, 45(4), 336-355.