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JULY 2024
THE PEOPLE'S VERDICT HOW JURY TRIALS UPHOLD AMERICAN VALUES
At the beginning of July, we celebrate the most iconic American summer holiday — Independence Day! While many of us will spend the day grilling and shooting fireworks with our friends and families, the Fourth of July also gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on our freedoms and rights. When you hear those terms, your mind likely immediately jumps to the freedoms granted by the First Amendment, but I’d like to take a moment to share some appreciation for our right to have a trial by jury. The jury trial system in America is a fundamental part of our culture and has been in place for over 200 years. It might be an imperfect system, but it is the best legal process in the world. It provides everyone with an equal playing field. It doesn’t matter if you’re facing off against an intimidating insurance company or a very wealthy individual; when you enter that courtroom, you have a judge calling balls and strikes, and the jury decides the truth behind the case. No matter how hard an insurance company tries to pinch you, as long as you can get in front of a jury, they decide what happened and what the punishment should be. It’s truly an awesome process! When you take a look at the world around us, you quickly realize how much injustice there is and, in many cases, there’s no way to receive true peace of mind. We’re long past the barbaric times of “an eye for an eye,” but we can still find some way to help those who have been wronged.
Through a jury trial, the jury can determine the value of an injury and award that amount to the individual who was wronged. When they give that number, they recognize and acknowledge the importance of one’s health while trying to provide something that will make the future easier.
There is no perfect system, but the one that our country created is as good as it gets.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t feel bad about exercising your right to a jury trial and suing a big insurance company. It’s one thing when something happens through an act of nature or God, but it’s another issue when somebody or a corporation is negligent, choosing to do something unsafe and inevitably injuring someone. For a long time, the insurance industry has tried to make individuals feel bad about taking matters to court. Some will even run commercials to make this point subtly. We’ve had so many clients who will tell us they’re not the type of person to sue over something, but it’s your constitutional right. The fact that you can get some form of justice when you’ve been wronged is beautiful and powerful. The last few years have raised many questions for Americans, and many have started to realize that they may have taken some essential rights for granted. Now is the time to truly appreciate and understand how valuable the right to a jury trial is. There is no perfect system, but the one that our country created is as good as it gets.
I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July!
–Case Barnett
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GRILL AND CHILL Host a Summer Barbecue for Everyone
Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light-colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain
remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills.
Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests
well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.”
And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco-friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST “Case Barnett Law is the best firm I’ve had the pleasure of retaining for my legal matter. An excellent staff that made my experience painless and simple. Everyone was helpful through the entire process
and I highly recommend this firm and will always return anytime I require legal assistance. Thank you, Case Barnett Law.” –Daniel
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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SCRUMPTIOUS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Shedding Light on the Disappearing Jury Trial Studies have shown that the amount of jury trials has drastically decreased — almost faded away — over the past few years. In fact, fewer than 2% of federal criminal cases have made it to a jury trial. Why is this? This decline was initially attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted court proceedings worldwide. However, as the pandemic has waned, the expected rebound in jury trials has not panned out. This suggests that other factors may come into play. While some experts suggest that too many obstacles get in the way of a jury trial, there may be more to the story. One possible explanation is that people are experiencing fatigue and stress from the complexities of modern life. This overwhelming sense of exhaustion can lead to a loss of faith in the judicial process, with many people questioning the purpose and point of going to trial. Despite these challenges, it is important to remain steadfast in our beliefs and remember what has brought us to this point. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This powerful reminder highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in our judicial system. Our nation was founded on core values — justice, fairness, and the right to a trial by jury. These principles are the bedrock of our legal system and are essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. When people lose faith in these values, it weakens the foundation of our society. There are those who may try to untether us from our core beliefs, disconnecting us from our American rights to a trial by jury. It is crucial that we do not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by this disillusionment. Instead, let’s reaffirm our commitment to justice and the principles that define our nation!
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until blended. 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before serving. 6. Whip cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. 7. Arrange strawberries on top of cake and spread whipped cream over top before serving.
LAUGH LAWS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 Jury Trials: The Cornerstone of American Justice Page 2 Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue Our Clients Say It Best Page 3 Jury Trials in Decline Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Page 4 Honor Independence Day With Joy and Pride
BABY, YOU’RE A FIREWORK! Unleash the Spirit of the Fourth of July
Are you prepared for the ultimate summer celebration? The Fourth of July is just around the corner, prompting the need to plan fun-filled activities. Thankfully, many exciting activities can help you embrace your red, white, and blue fever. Whether you love classic cookouts, outdoor games, or a peaceful getaway, you have endless options for our most patriotic holiday. Here are six fun activities to try this Fourth of July. CREATE A PATRIOTIC PLAYLIST. Set the tone for this exciting holiday by making a playlist of your favorite and most popular tunes! You can add anything to your playlist, from pop hits like “Firework” to the national anthem. Add whatever you think will get your guests feeling the holiday spirit. CELEBRATE IN A SMALL TOWN. With vibrant farm stands and lively parades drawing in locals, America’s small towns offer an unforgettable Fourth of July experience. If you are considering a holiday
escape this year, it is the perfect time to explore some of the finest small towns in your state for a truly memorable celebration. PLAN PATRIOTIC OUTFITS. Wearing fun and festive outfits on this holiday is an exciting and creative way to showcase your national pride and add flair to your celebrations. Incorporating red, white, and blue into your attire will show your spirit for any Fourth of July celebration! TRY SQUARE DANCING. Square dancing offers a lively and entertaining way to embrace American heritage and culture. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, square dancing can be a fun and exhilarating experience. PLAY A GAME OF WATER BALLOON TOSS. Water balloon games offer a refreshing and exciting way to beat the heat while engaging in outdoor fun with family and friends. Choose red, white, and blue balloons
to make it more patriotic! The possibilities are endless when you get your loved ones together for a friendly competition.
GO CAMPING IN YOUR BACKYARD. Going camping in your backyard is a
convenient and enjoyable way to experience the great outdoors without being far from home! Set up a tent, roast some marshmallows over a crackling fire pit, and stargaze under the open sky to create the most authentic camping experience right in your backyard. Be sure to fly an American flag at your “campsite.”
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