The Runaway Jury

Since the day his name was selected from the electoral roll, Nicholas Easter has been watched by a private army of lawyers and jury consultants. He is one of 196 prospective jurors in a civil liability trial – and not just any civil liability trial. On one side: the widow of a lung cancer victim, demanding hefty compensation. On the other: a coalition of four tobacco compa Since the day his name was selected from the electoral roll, Nicholas Easter has been watched by a private army of lawyers and jury consultants. He is one of 196 prospective jurors in a civil liability trial – and not just any civil liability trial. On one side: the widow of a lung cancer victim, demanding hefty compensation. On the other: a coalition of four tobacco companies who cannot afford to lose the case. A verdict for the plaintiff will mean a disastrous cascade of litigation – so the tobacco companies have hired Rankin Fitch: a ruthless expert on juries who will do anything to win. Victory, however, will not be easy. As Fitch will soon discover, he is not the only crook trying to manipulate this jury.