Most Americans remember where they were the morning of September 11, 2001. People in New Jersey may have stronger memories of the day than the average American. The attacks that occurred that day are ingrained into our public culture. Many people suffered personal loss on the tragic day.

Following the attacks, more than 90 wrongful death cases were filed. One Family refused to settle their mass transportation wrongful death case and is expected the case will be before a jury sometime this year. Thousands of other victims and their families received compensation through a fund that was set up.

The last pending wrongful death lawsuit after the infamous attacks will be tried with an eye on the clock under the ruling of the federal judge presiding in the case. Federal District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein told the parties in the lawsuit that each side would have the same amount of time to present evidence in the matter. The lawsuit was brought by the family of a passenger in the second plane to strike the World Trade Center.

The judge ruled that the clock will run each time either party rises to examine a witness or argue before the jury in the case. In fact, the judge says the time will be counted in terms of minutes, not days. Each party will have an estimated total of 50 to 60 hours to present their case to the jury.

The trial clock starts with opening statements in the trial and continues until the final argument is completed. The total trial is also limited to one month. The wrongful death lawsuit was brought against United Airlines and others, alleging the airline and others were negligent in allowing the hijackers to board the airplane.

The judge seeks to keep the jury focused on the case through his ruling. He wishes to avoid technical arguments and minutiae lengthening the overall timeline for trying the case before the jury.

Source: Boston Globe and New York Times, "In 9/11 trial, sides must watch clock," Benjamin Weiser 28 Apr 2011