Table of Contents
What factors influenced the jurors?
The data indicate that jurors were influenced by the evidence, witnesses, lawyers, and defendant in the trials. In two trials, jurors made their decisions early; one trial produced later decisions. The jurors’ reports also demonstrate that jurors considered evidence and discussed the key issues during deliberation.
What factors can impact on jury decision making?
1) Pre-trial publicity 2) Characteristics of the defendant 3) Minority influence
- Pre-trial publicity.
- Characteristics of the defendant.
- Minority influence.
What are the pros and cons of a jury?
Jury vs. Judge: Pros and Cons of Each Option
- Jury or judge?
- At a jury trial, the outcome of a case is decided by a group of law-abiding citizens.
- Jurors have more compassion than judges.
- Juries tend to be easier audiences than judges.
- Jurors can be too emotional.
- Jurors can be unpredictable.
What are the positives of having a jury?
These can include:
- The chance to have a decision made by a number of people rather than one single person, which can reduce the likelihood of bias against you or your circumstances.
- The opportunity to be tried by your peers, who may be more likely to relate to your personal situation than a judge or magistrate.
Are jurors’ interests valued as much as defendants’?
The jury occupies an extremely important role in the American Justice System. Yet, it sometimes appears that the interests of jurors are not as highly valued as those of the defendant or litigants.
What are the psychological effects of being a juror?
About two-thirds of jurors admitted to experiencing at least one physical and/or psychological symptom, ranging from transient experiences to significant illnesses (e. g ., sleeplessness, intestinal problems, tension, headaches, heart palpitations, and depression).
Does jury service have an adverse effect on jurors?
Although this assumption may stem from the passive or detached way they respond in court or during jury deliberations, jury service can have an adverse effect on some jurors. Kaplan and Winget (1992) conducted a study about the physical and psychological hazards when serving in stressful criminal jury trials.
Why are jurors instructed to remain neutral in court?
The need for jurors to remain impartial and suppress their emotional responses has also been researched. Many trials, both criminal and civil, involve exposure to disturbing graphics or testimony where reactions such as horror, sadness, pain, anger, frustration, sympathy, and disgust may be elicited. Yet, jurors are instructed to remain neutral.