NCJ Number
170208
Editor(s)
G T Munsterman,
P L Hannaford,
G M Whitehead
Date Published
1997
Length
339 pages
Annotation
This manual covers contemporary understanding of how jurors individually and collectively process information.
Abstract
The first chapter describes how jurors conceptualize evidence and testimony to arrive at their verdict and why innovations in jury trial procedures are so necessary. Subsequent chapters discuss various techniques based on an accurate understanding of juror decision making. They specifically focus on jury administration and management, voir dire or jury selection, pretrial management, trial procedures, jury instructions and deliberations, and post-verdict considerations. The editors note there is little disagreement among social scientists that traditional trial procedures have largely failed to consider how jurors process new information. They believe recognition of this shortcoming and the need to modify existing trial procedures are the first steps toward improving the jury's effectiveness as an integral component of the criminal justice system. Supplemental information and forms related to jury trial innovations is provided in 15 appendixes. 84 references