NCJ Number
70681
Date Published
1976
Length
176 pages
Annotation
This study investigated juror attitudes toward the judicial system in California and toward the civil jury as part of that system; possible factors underlying a juror's willingness to serve; and the representativeness of a sample of jurors who served jury duty.
Abstract
A total of 927 jurors were selected as participants in the study. These jurors, from the superior courts of two northern California counties, had been excused from the court after completing a term of service, including at least one civil trial which was taken to verdict. A research questionnaire was developed, using the theoretical formulations of Alfred Adler as interpreted and presented in the writing of Rudolph Driekurs. The final questionnaire was based upon a factor analysis of data obtained from administration of an interim questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed to 460 jurors and 223 responded. Data analysis results indicated that jurors expressed favorable attitudes toward the judicial system, and to the civil juries on which they served. Jurors were found to be demographically representative of their communities on the variable of sex, but not on the variable of age. However, jurors expressed the belief that they were representative of their communities. Finally, the responses to attitudinal questions of the participants from each of the two counties were highly similar. Generally, results indicated that participants reacted favorably to jury service; and regardless of their attitudes toward the judicial system prior to their terms of service, apparently felt that they had received positive psychosocial experiences while participating in the judicial system. Tables and a bibliography of approximately 80 citations are included. Copies of the preliminary, interim, and final questionnaire are appended, along with related letters and data tables. (Author abstract modified)