NCJ Number
225987
Journal
The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
February 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The article reports a first exploratory study on the stresses experienced by jurors in England and Wales.
Abstract
Results confirm that jury service can be a significant source of anxiety, and for a vulnerable minority, can engender moderate to severe clinical levels of stress; in the longer term, it can lead to symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trials involving crimes against the person are more likely to induce a stressful reaction than those involving property crimes. Women as a group appear to be more vulnerable than men, especially when the trial touches upon a past traumatic event that has been personally experienced. In regard to sources of stress, those most widely shared were linked to the deliberative and decisionmaking phases of the trial. Dealing with repellent and horrific evidence was also highlighted as a significant area of concern, particularly so for women, who also attached greater stress to dealing with dissension and answering questions in the jury room. Data were collected from 26 males and 38 female residents of the United Kingdom, all with jury experience. Table and references