Article: The power of information bumps into diminishing returns: the balance of power has shifted from availability and accessibility to competence and control.(the home page)

Not long ago I listened to an attorney lecture a group of journalists about the power of information. Specifically, he was talking about how knowing personal information about potential jurors and witnesses could substantially bolster a lawyer's case. This information, gleaned from public records sources on LexisNexis, substantially increases his ability to choose sympathetic jurors and discredit witnesses.

It was a masterful performance and convinced me that, when I want an eloquent address to a jury, this attorney is my guy. I had a few problems with his basic premise. Twenty years ago, when not every law firm had access to online information, the information ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!