Motivated by statistics showing as few as 20 percent of prospective jurors answer summonses, TYLA's Community Education Committee developed a public information campaign to combat rising citizen apathy that currently threatens a cornerstone of American justice, the right to trial by jury. American Juror: The Decision is Yours is an informative and entertaining video and corresponding website designed to (1) educate the public about the importance of jury service and the significance of a jury’s role in the judicial system; (2) improve the public’s attitude about jury service; and (3) energize citizen participation in the jury process.

The committee's first effort to reinvigorate citizen participation in the system occurred on January 10, 2005. Travis County residents gathered for jury service were treated to the TYLA-produced video, which attacks some of the myths surrounding jury duty. Narrated by Texas Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright, the production is a fast-paced series of interviews interspersed with some of the most famous television and movie renditions of juries in action. (Cont.)

Article of Interest
Employment Protections for the Citizen Soldier
By Dan Hargrove

Dan Hargrove

In southern Iraq on April 4, 2003, during the first days of combat, a Marine Corps lawyer found himself in tight spot. As reported in the Washington Post, Lt.Col. John Ewers, a graduate of The Georgetown University Law Center, was headed out on an unusual mission: looking for the father of an injured Iraqi boy flown out on a helicopter for emergency treatment the prior day. The last thing the 19-year veteran was expecting was a firefight. Suddenly, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms exploded around the Marines’ two HUMVEE vehicles. Ewers dodged the initial volley of gunfire, took three right turns and a left, and tried to avoid further attacks. He felt a burning sensation in one arm and numbness in the other, but he especially felt pain in his left foot. Ewers had been shot three times. Most judge advocate (JAG) officers will never see combat. But Ewers’ story reveals the dangers that many lawyers face when serving in the military. (Cont.)

Tips for Young Lawyers
Mapping Your Case for Trial – Even if it Never Gets There
By Aimee Minick -

Aimee Minick

You just received Smith’s Original Petition. Smith has sued your client for a variety of claims based on a contract deal that soured. Before you ever sign that general denial, map out your case. Mapping the case from the very beginning helps you determine the best strategy for discovery, motions, and trial.

What is Case Mapping?
Case Mapping allows you to fully understand the nuances of your case. If you are representing a plaintiff, list every cause of action you think your client might have. If you represent a defendant, list out each cause of action alleged in the plaintiff’s petition. Next, do a little legal research to determine the elements of each cause of action, all the affirmative defenses available, and the damages available. It might look something like this: (Cont.)