NCJ Number
239764
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: May - June 2012 Pages: 259-269
Date Published
June 2012
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the impact pretrial publicity can have on community members.
Abstract
Data were collected from 444 community members before 2 high-profile capital trials in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Results revealed that participants characterized the defendant in dehumanizing terms. Findings also demonstrated that self-reported familiarity with the case was not related to recognition and recall accuracy of case-specific details. In addition, the data showed the presence of source monitoring errors in jurors' recollections of case-specific facts. Finally, the analyses indicated that level of support for the death penalty and death-qualification status were significantly related to community members' recollection of case-specific facts and susceptibility to pretrial publicity. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.