NCJ Number
133940
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Dated: (1991) Pages: 451-462
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Observations of the voir dires of 31 criminal trials in Washington, D.C. and interviews with 190 jurors after the trials were completed formed the basis of analysis of the honesty with which jurors answered questions during the voir dire.
Abstract
The observations took place from June 1984 through May 1985, while the interviews took place between July 1986 and July 1987. Many of the questions asked during the voir dire were also asked in the individual interviews. Results showed that approximately 25 percent of the jurors said during the interview that they or a family member had been a crime victim, but these jurors had not stated this when the questions was asked during the voir dire. Similarly, almost 30 percent of the jurors said during the interview that they know a police officer, but these jurors had not stated this fact during the voir dire. Results support previous studies that have found that jurors often withhold information or lie during voir dire. More extensive voir dire or techniques such as the use of questionnaires prior to voir dire or sequestering jurors for sensitive questions might lead to more truthful responses. Further research is recommended. Tables, notes, and 18 references (Author abstract modified)