Traditionally, the “13th Juror” phenomenon has applied to the judicial power to set aside a jury verdict when the weight of the evidence contradicts it. In today’s legal world, that power is increasingly shared with the media.
In an effort to better understand the impact of pre-trial publicity on the outcome of court proceedings and the ethical issues at stake, the Wecht Institute will be hosting Pre-trial Publicity, Ethics and the “13th Juror” Phenomenon from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the Africa Room. Among the topics to be addressed are U.S. Supreme Court and other rulings applying to media coverage, the “CSI Effect” on jurors, and judicial discretion with regard to overturning flawed verdicts.
Former Pennsylvania Deputy Attorney General Bobbi Jo Wagner, an associate with Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, and criminal defense attorney Charles LoPresti will explore these topics and more as they relate to the Rules of Professional Conduct. The seminar is approved by the Pennsylvania CLE Board for two hours of Ethics CLE credit.
The seminar, which is open to the public, may also be viewed online.