Courts - Civil Cases (News)

Harrower's Check List

1. The court name and location of the trial.
2. The judge's name.
3. The specific charges being brought against the defendants.
4. Translation of jargon or legalese - any terms that could confuse readers. This might even include legal definitions of such commonly used words as manslaughter, carjacking, even arson.
5. A brief recap of the case, even if you've run stories on the trial many times before.
6. Descriptions and details that bring the courtroom proceedings to life: facial expressions, gestures and activities of defendants, attorneys, relatives, jurors, the judge.
7. Quotes and dialog that capture the emotions of the trial - especially any tense exchange between attorneys and witnesses or dramatic highlights from opening or closing statements.
8. What happens next. Explain what's planned for the days ahead, if the trial is still in progress, if a verdict has been reached, are there plans for an appeal?

Writing verdict stories:

1. The sentence or, in civil cases, damages awarded.
2. Details about the jury deliberations: the length of time they took to reach a verdict; the jury's demographics - gender, age, racial composition - if they were a fact in the trial; even the number of jurors (there aren't always 12.)
3. Reactions from central characters in the trial: prosecutors, defendants, attorneys, jurors, as well as others affected by the trial's outcome.
4. What it means. Will this verdict have special significance for your readers or leave a lasting effect on the community.

• Identification of person or organization filing action.
• Background of plaintiff or petitioner.
• Defendant respondent.
• Type of damage alleged.
• Remedy sought.
• Date filing; court of jurisdiction.
• Special motivation behind action, if any.
• History of the conflict, disagreement.
• Similar case decided by courts.
• Possibility of an out of court settlement.
• Significance of action; effect on others.
• Lawyers for both sides; types of firms they are associated with.
• Date and presiding for trial, hearing.
• Judge’s reputation with similar cases.