Social Influence in the Courtroom

Because the courtroom is predicated on the notion of persuasion, social influence can play a pivotal role in the decision-making process of attorneys, judges, and jurors. This paper provides answers to the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions to help attorneys feel more confident in their decisions to settle or take cases to trial. First, we identify the various types of social influence that operate over the course of a trial. Second, we provide suggestions for the ways in which counsel and clients can strategically use social influence to their advantage.