You Be the Judge: New Virtual Courtroom Lets the World Resolve Conflicts in Real 'People's Court'

CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time to resolve any conflicts over the "right" Valentine's Day gift, the new virtual "courtroom" JabberJury.com launched today, giving people around the world a chance to air their frustrations and settle everyday conflicts by presenting their case to a jury of their peers to determine, once and for all, who is right.

A new kind of "conflictainment"—like "Judge Judy" or "Judge Joe Brown" but with a social twist— JabberJury is a true "people's court" where disputing parties can upload videos stating their dilemma, opening statements, even rebuttals and closing arguments, and ask friends to serve as JabberJurors to vote for who's right. Anyone can post a "case" or become a JabberJuror to weigh in on the outcome of any case. Litigants are encouraged to use their social network connections to promote their case and build support for a victory.

"We are excited to finally unveil JabberJury v2.0.1," said JabberJuror co-founder Angelo Rago, who launched the service with his pal Kevin Wielgus after Rago felt he got a raw deal in an argument with his former girlfriend. The site became a way to help others in a similar situation air their side of the story, eliminate the "he said, she said" and let more neutral parties decide who's right.

"We're introducing an engaging entertainment platform where our audience is not only able to interact with their entertainment, but they can actually create content for others to do the same," Rago said.

Unlike real court proceedings, JabberJury's resolution process is designed to be fun, with cases that run the gamut from a squabble between spouses over what color to paint the kitchen, cubicle-mates who can't agree on a radio station or roommates who fight over food. One conflict is chosen daily as the featured "Case of the Day," and the site even allows litigating parties to submit evidence and invite witnesses to offer testimony. JabberJurors can also try to sway fellow jurors by posting opinionated comments, or "outbursts" in the court, or they can heckle the disputing parties just for fun.

"Considering how entertaining the past few weeks' 'Cases of the Day' were, I am eager to see what types of conflict are posted now that the site is fully live," Wielgus said, noting that it's become a cultural phenomenon for Joe Public to not only know about, but also have an opinion about, others' dirty laundry. "With the advent of social media, it's virtually impossible to keep wrongdoings and conflicts under wraps, and this is just the beginning for JabberJury. We intend to grow with our jurors, adding new functions and enhancements on a regular basis."

The site makes it easy to upload a case for JabberJury review with an automated process and enhanced video editing tools. The system allows users to record from their webcam, upload files or both. You can even edit multiple video clips together to create a compelling and entertaining case.

In case the sheer satisfaction of being right is not enough, JabberJury also rewards users with credits, called "Jabbies," that are awarded to litigants who win a case, as well as to the JabberJurors who voted for the winning side. Jabbies can also be earned by inviting friends to join JabberJury.

Jabbies can be redeemed for prizes: the company is filling its Jabbies Stuff catalog and welcomes JabberJurors' input on what they'd like to see included. In "A Cause Worth Fighting For," Jabbies for Charity can even be donated to the charitable organization of the JabberJuror's choice in exchange for badges of honor to be placed on their Juror Profiles. Any nonprofit organization is invited to apply for participation in the Jabbies for Charity program.

Features like the outbursts and Jabbies turn JabberJury into a game, creating a friendly competition where users compete for bragging rights, higher status levels, charity badges and Jabbies. In addition to dolling out "social justice" by enabling total strangers in some cases to solve everyday conflicts and etiquette conundrums, its founders say JabberJury offers socially redeeming benefits as well. The site provides a conversation-starting forum and a place to seek out others' opinions to gauge the validity of your own viewpoint.

To post your case for a free decision from the JabberJury, go to www.JabberJury.com.

About JabberJury

JabberJury provides a free virtual courtroom on the web where people can upload videos to effectively present their side of a conflict for resolution by a jury of their peers. Designed to be fun, entertaining, competitive and rewarding, JabberJury gives each side an equal opportunity to state their case with opening statements, rebuttals and closing arguments, and even add strength and credibility by inviting witnesses and submitting evidence. JabberJurors vote on who they believe is 'right' or 'wrong' and both litigants and jurors can earn Jabbies rewards you for being right. Jabbies can be redeemed for great prizes through partners and advertisers, or donated to various charities and other causes. JabberJury is privately held with headquarters in Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit www.JabberJury.com

SOURCE JabberJury