NCJ Number
72778
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (1980) Pages: 86-99
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
An investigation comparing the effectiveness of conventional jury selection methods (CM) utilized by attorneys versus systematic social science methods (SSM) of predictive relationships is presented.
Abstract
The 69 study participants, who were enrolled in evening courses conducted at the University of Toledo, responded to a request for subjects for a study of courtroom procedures. In addition, 48 'defense Lawyers' were recruited from the university's law school. Two factors were combined to yield a 2 x 4 design. The design compared the two methods of juror selection within the context of four criminal cases. The defense lawyers were trained in either the CM or SSM method of juror selection. After completion of training, lawyers were randomly assigned to one of four criminal cases. They were given written summaries of the cases detailing the evidence and witnesses to be heard. They then screened jurors during voir dire examination to select those most likely to acquit their clients. Prior to examination the jurors were asked to complete a juror information sheet providing name, age, sex, occupation, marital status, and residence information. After completion of voir dire, jurors heard audiotapes of the cases and reached individual decisions as to degree of guilt or innocence. Data analysis indicated that in cases in which predictive relationships used by the SSM were strong, this method was superior to the CM in predicting favorable juror's responses. The CM, or intuitive method, was superior when critical predictive relationships were weak or absent. Overall, the SSM was not superior to the conventional method. Tables are included and 25 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)