Growing up in a small town in the center of Washington State, I dreamed of the day I would move to the big city where Nordstrom was within walking distance. Upon graduating from high school, it took all of three days to pack my car and hit the road destined for the big city lights. I spent the next few years intentionally distancing myself from my rural roots. I convinced myself the only way to adapt to the life I always wanted was to erase the one that existed prior.
 
It wasn’t until the passing of my grandfather in 2011 that the city lights dimmed and I began to appreciate my family’s rich history in agriculture and livestock. At his wake, I heard stories—many for the first time—about my grandparents’ struggles settling into the once-barren Columbia Basin. Veral and Darlene Hodges, a young married couple, fueled by hope, spent the daylight hours turning the soil that would one day yield their crops. At the time, they had it on good authority that the Columbia Basin Project would one day bring irrigation to their land. A deep regret washed over me that day: how could I have ever tried to shake the roots of my pioneer ancestors?
 
As an attorney practicing in Ephrata, Washington, I often hear the phrase “rural practice” or “rural desert” used in various contexts. The question that often lingers in my mind, is this: What is the definition of rural – that doesn’t rely solely on geographic population numbers. I know what rural is because I was raised in one. It’s part of who I am. And yet, if you asked me to define it, I’m not sure I could. It isn’t something I was taught in school or read in a book; it’s ingrained in the tapestry of who I am. And yet, if you asked me to define it, I’d struggle to find the words.
 
Recently, I stumbled upon a definition that I will carry with me. Author and college professor, Sharon Mitchler provides:  
As a small-town lawyer, this definition perfectly describes the unique social and spatial constructs while simultaneously highlighting the importance of connectivity despite physical distances.
 
In the legal profession, understanding the composition and mindset of a jury is crucial to formulating effective trial strategies to best serve our clients. This is especially true in rural areas, where jurors bring a distinct set of experiences and values to the courtroom.
 
This became apparent following a civil wrongful death case tried in my home County years ago. The Estate, through his heirs alleged Defendant caused the death of the decedent, her husband. The Decedent’s death was caused by a single bullet discharged from a pistol. Defendant denied the allegations and claimed her late husband committed suicide.
 
Coincidentally, the Defendant purchased a Glock pistol before her husband’s death. The Defendant testified at trial that she heard a gunshot outside. She did not investigate the gun shots. She explained that the sound of a shotgun was not concerning to her because the decedent would often shoot his rifle near the house to protect them from dangerous animals.
 
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury awarded $3.2 million to Plaintiff’s estate.
 
The importance of understanding lived experiences was revealed in a conversation with a juror. The jurors rejected Defendant’s explanation of her failure to investigate the sound of the gun going off. They provided that she should have been  alarmed by the sound of the gunshot that day because it was a pistol – not a rifle. They pointed out the differentiation between a Glock and a shot gun. This inherent understanding of the difference between the sounds  firearms make ultimately led to the credibility of the Defendant being undermined. In addition, it was one way in which they justified their verdict of civil homicide.
 
The instant case exemplifies the importance of understanding and leveraging the unique perspectives of rural jurors. By acknowledging their practical knowledge and aligning legal strategies with their values, attorneys can enhance their effectiveness in rural courtrooms. As this case demonstrates, a nuanced approach can be instrumental in achieving justice for clients and ensuring their claims or defenses are not shot down.