NCJ Number
16836
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1974) Pages: 163-171
Date Published
1974
Length
9 pages
Annotation
FINDS THAT PRETRIAL PUBLICITY EXERTS A STRONG INFLUENCE ON VERDICTS AND RATINGS OF THE PROSECUTION'S CASE, PARTICULARLY AMONG FEMALES.
Abstract
THE EFFECTS ON JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF A SAMPLE OF 102 STUDENTS AND 100 NONSTUDENTS IS MEASURED BY SEX OF SUBJECT, CHARACTER OF EXPOSURE TO PRETRIAL PUBLICITY, AND JUDGE'S INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING PRETRIAL PUBLICITY. RESULTS INDICATED THAT VERDICTS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SENTENCING, AND RATINGS OF THE STRENGTHS OF THE DEFENSE AND PROSECUTION CASES BY BOTH STUDENTS AND NONSTUDENTS WERE NOT AFFECTED BY THE JUDGE'S INSTRUCTIONS. IT WAS FOUND THAT PRETRIAL PUBLICITY ABOUT DAMAGING BUT INADMISSABLE EVIDENCE AFFECTED SUBJECTS' EVALUATIONS OF THE PROSECUTION CASE SUCH THAT MORE GUILTY VERDICTS RESULTED.