The recent hubbub over the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound brought to the world’s attention the use of dogs in war. Following dogs, Slate reminded us about oft-forgotten cats of war. But what about law? For at least a generation, specially trained dogs have been used in various capacities in the practice of law, in pretrial procedure, class action coordination, or for sophisticated legal research projects. Here, we profile four uses of dogs in the practice of law.
Jury Selection Canines
With an exceptionally keen ability to sense territorial, ethnic, and grooming habits of people, jury selection canines (JSCs) provide critical pre-trial information to attorneys. Rex, a certified JSC, examines a potential juror for territorial affiliation.
[hr]
Canine Assisted Legal Research (CALR) Associates
Canine Assisted Legal Research has been in existence for at least a decade. Seen here are two CALR associates on their way to a research session at large New York firm. CALR associates are adept at ferreting out critical cases that may otherwise be buried in boxes of case printouts.
[hr]
Trial Objection Canines
Trial objection canines are adept at recognizing sophisticated foundational and evidentiary objections and barking in court to raise them, and preserve them properly for appeal. Here, Jasper is pictured objecting to an expert's testimony on foundation grounds.
[hr]
Class Action Dogs
Class Action Dogs are specially trained herding dogs that courts use to corral large groups of class action attorneys in specific cases, reducing the time needed for bailiffs and other court personnel have all counsel together for arguments and motion hearings.
