Decision Making in Joined Criminal Trials - The Influence of Charge Similarity, Evidence Similarity, and Limiting Instructions

• NCJ Number: 100297
• Journal: Law and Human Behavior Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1985) Pages: 319-337
• Author(s): S Tanford; S Penrod; R Collins
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The present research examined decisionmaking processes in joined trials of multiple offenses.

Abstract

The subjects (374 undergraduates) judged videotaped trials of 3 joined charges in a 3 by 2 by 2 factorial design that varied charge similarity (identical, similar, dissimilar), evidence similarity, and judges' instructions designed to reduce judgment biases. Control subjects judged each of several charges presented individually. Results indicate that subjects were more likely to convict a defendant in a joined trial than in a single-charge trial, particularly when the charge was presented in the third position. Convictions were more frequent when joined charges were similar, and judges' instructions significantly reduced conviction rates. Subjects judging joined trials confused evidence among charges, rated the prosecutors' evidence as stronger, and rated the defendant less favorably than did subjects judging single-charge trials. Findings are compared statistically to those of previous research; it is concluded that increased conviction in joined trials is a robust effect. 36 references. (Author abstract modified)