NCJ Number
110940
Journal
Drake Law Review Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (1986-1987) Pages: 297-315
Date Published
1987
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Iowa Federal and State courts should adopt summary jury trials as one tool for relieving its rapidly increasing caseloads.
Abstract
The courts currently lack the judicial work hours needed to accommodate the trial of every case filed. Although most civil cases settle prior to trial without significant court intervention, the remaining cases need further efforts to save judicial time while providing for some effort by the court to explore the possibility of settlement with counsel and their clients. Methods of dispute resolution include mediation, arbitration, court-annexed arbitration, the use of special masters, minitrials, private judging, and the summary jury trial. The summary jury trial is a half-day proceeding in which each side's attorneys each have 1 hour to present their case to a 6-member jury. The jury returns with either a consensus verdict or with verdict forms expressing individual views. The jury's opinion is nonbinding. Jurisdictions currently using summary jury trials include Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Rhode Island. Results from analyses of existing experience show that the summary jury trial is proving to be very effective in getting parties to settle their lawsuits short of trial. 171 footnotes.