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where they are going and aren’t sure what is happening. They don’t know any of therules – when to stand up, when to sit down, when to talk, or when to shut up. Theyhave been told to tell the truth, which seemed simple enough when it was said, butbecame complicated as they laid awake last night imagining all the devious questionsthe opposing attorney will ask. And now, people around them are speaking in gibberish,using words that sound familiar, but don’t have any meaning in this context.In feeling discomfort and longing for an ally, a party has something in common withanother person roaming the courthouse – their adversary. But they feel no bond withtheir opponent. Quite the opposite. Just as Red Sox fans will chortle when a Yankee’srunner sprains an ankle, the parties in a lawsuit would watch with glee as theiradversary burned in hell.But that pleasure, if it comes at all, will have to wait. At least on the first day of trial, andmaybe for much longer, a party is likely to feel alone, a wallflower lurking enviouslyoutside her or his attorney’s circle, hoping for an invitation that may never come.C. The Outsiders -- JurorsThe jurors also are alone. They are summoned to the courthouse individually. Theydon’t get to bring their tribe for support – no spouses or significant others, or co-workersor friends. Except in small towns, they aren’t likely to know any of the court staff or theattorneys, or anyone else on the jury panel. They walk into a room of strangers, identifythemselves to the clerk checking attendance, and sit down to wait.18