NCJ Number
154562
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 81 Dated: (April 1995) Pages: 102-104
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes characteristics jurors tend to like and dislike in witnesses.
Abstract
When assessing the credibility of a witness and the impression a witness is likely to create on a jury, attorneys might consider the following factors, after first acknowledging that credibility deals not with truth but with perceptions: (1) Age: Older witnesses are more credible than younger ones, up to the point at which they start to lose their critical capabilities; (2) Sex: There is no real difference in the credibility of men and women; (3) Marriage: Married men and women are thought to be more stable, and thus more credible; (4) Children: Married people with children are more credible than those without children, except when they are talking about their own children; (5) Wealth: Wealthy persons are more credible than the less well off; (6) Education: A good education helps credibility; (7) Occupation: Supreme court justices, doctors, and people who help others, like teachers and nurses, are at the top of the credibility list; (8) Appearance: Being physically attractive is very important in creating the perception of competence and honesty; and (9) Identification: The fundamental values revealed by the witness are important components of his or her credibility.