FLORIDA PLAINTIFF

A recently released study by the Florida Bar reveals that jury trials are decreasing both within the State and nationally.  Contrary to what most client’s think only a small percent of cases actually end up in a trial.  What’s shocking is that the small percent has been growing smaller and smaller each year.  The study concluded that only 0.3% of civil cases end up in a jury trial.  The reasons for this are that things like mediation and arbitration have helping resolve many more cases than in the past.  

The study points out that the harmful effect of less and less jury trials is the public’s confidence in our system is decreased.  Jury trials necessitate the public’s participation in our justice system and allows them to dispense justice from the jury box.  This first hand exposure to our constitutional judicial process restores confidence in our system.  The fewer citizens participating in our justice system the less exposure and faith in our system  its citizens will have.