NCJ Number
96791
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1984) Pages: 343-360
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study posed a series of questions to jurors who had recently given verdicts in trials in Trinidad. The study attempted to explore the social psychology of the jury while examining the relationships between the social composition of jurors and their courtroom perceptions, interactions, and decisions.
Abstract
A sample of 1,000 jurors was randomly drawn from 2,443 jurors who served in 390 trials between January 1, 1976, and June 30, 1978, and whose social composition (ethnicity, social class, and sex) had been classified in a previous study. The actual number of usable questionnaires totaled 610. The jurors were asked about their impression of the accused, the influence of other jurors on them and vice versa, commitment to their verdict, the influence of the accused's race on verdict outcome, and if their opinion about the accused's guilt or innocence changed during the course of the trial. Results revealed that over 75 percent of respondents formed no early impression of guilt or innocence. Only social class made a significant difference in the degree of influence felt from other jurors. Regarding commitment to their verdict, 87 percent said that they would vote the same way again. Thirty-five percent felt that they influenced other jurors. Social composition made no significant difference in jurors' feelings about the role of race or the basis for foreman choice. Eighty-eight percent perceived legal factors, e.g., 'rules of law,' 'judge's instructions,' as 'most important' factors in reaching their verdict. Overall, jury behavior emerged as rational and healthy and relatively unaffected by the race of the accused or the juror's race, social class, or sex. Figures, tables, footnotes, and 51 references are provided.