Legal Question in Personal Injury in New York
trial judge influence
during a jury trial for personal injury can a judge say to an attorney " if your client does not accept that offer (which was 1% of the amount sued for)I will instruct the jury to give him nothing ?
Asked on 4/07/00, 12:04 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Amanda Farahany
Barrett & Farahany, LLP
Re: trial judge influence
A judge cannot force you to take any settlement amount, however, he can attempt to try and make the parties settle. He cannot instruct the jury on what verdict to return, only what the law is for them to return a verdict based upon the law. Did the judge in fact instruct the jury to return a verdict in favor of the defense?
Answered on 4/19/00, 8:08 pm
Glenn Loewenthal
Glenn Loewenthal, P.C.
Re: trial judge influence
No, a judge may not suggest to the jury who to find for or how much to award.
Answered on 4/19/00, 9:04 pm