NCJ Number
103778
Date Published
Unknown
Length
52 pages
Annotation
Results of an analysis of 267 jury discrimination cases reported in West law reporters between January 21, 1985, and December 31, 1981, failed to uphold the common belief that Federal appellate courts are more supportive of the rights of criminal defendants than State appellate courts.
Abstract
The data base consisted of 210 State and 57 Federal cases. Four variables were measured and controlled for by multiple regression analysis: method of judge selection, geographic region, seriousness of offense, and strength of the case. The results showed that strength of the case was the primary determinative factor for appellate courts hearing jury discrimination claims. When legal and factual issues were not clearcut, the seriousness of the defendant's offense instead became an important predictor of case outcome. Federal appellate courts appeared to give more careful consideration to the cases they heard, as reflected in the longer opinions they wrote. Tables and references.