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Economic Resolution of Cases Through An Expedited Jury Trial

3/16/18

By: Melina Shahbazian
It is no secret that litigation is time consuming and extremely expensive. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances of the case, the lengthy costly litigation process is the only choice.  Other times, particularly with lesser value cases, the parties have the option of conducting expedited jury trials in civil cases.
California’s expedited jury trial is a consensual, binding jury trial before a reduced jury panel and a judicial officer. (Code Civ. Proc. § 630.01(a).) The trial is heard by eight jurors (instead of twelve), with six votes needed for a verdict. Each side is allowed to exercise up to three peremptory challenges (unless the court permits additional challenges), and is given five hours to put on their case, inclusive of jury selection.
The parties can request an expedited jury trial, by submitting a Consent Order to the court, no later than 30 days before any assigned trial date. (Code Civ. Proc. § 630.03(a); Cal. Rules Ct., Rule 3.1547(a).) The proposed Consent Order must confirm parties’ understanding and agreement to participate in an expedited jury trial, outline the roadmap for the trial, and their agreement to alter any procedures, such as method of presenting evidence, limitation of witnesses, and any agreements on damages. The parties could set a cap for damages by entering into a “High/Low Agreement” prior to trial which specifies a minimum amount of damages that a plaintiff is guaranteed to receive from the defendant, and a maximum amount of damages that the defendant will be liable for, regardless of the ultimate verdict. (CCP § 630.01(b).)
If the parties agree to an expedited jury trial, the verdict is binding and they waive their rights to an appeal. The verdict from an expedited jury trial can only be disregarded in the event of misconduct by a judicial officer or the jury, or corruption or fraud or some bad act that prevents a fair trial. Otherwise, the court will enter a judgment based on the verdict.
The expedited jury trial offers a streamlined method for handling civil actions to promote the speedy and economic resolution of cases and conserve judicial resources. Has it? Only time will tell.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Melina Shahbazian at mshahbazian@fmglaw.com.