Introduction -- Avoid jury duty at all costs -- Jury selection can effectively identify biased jurors -- 6 = 12 and they don't all have to agree -- Jurors can distinguish accurate from inaccurate eyewitnesses -- Jurors can distinguish true from false confessions -- Jurors overvalue expert testimony -- Jurors treat juvenile defendants fairly -- Compensatory damage awards are excessive and unpredictable -- Punitive damage awards are excessive and unpredictable -- Jurors in criminal cases can fairly punish wrongdoers -- Jurors can control their emotions -- Just let the judge do it -- Jurors don't need any special help -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"[This book] reviews a number of controversial beliefs about juries as well as the implications of these views for jury reform. It reviews up-to-date research on both criminal and civil juries that uses a variety of research methodologies: simulations, archival analyses, field studies, and juror interviews. Each chapter focuses on a mistaken assumption or myth about jurors or juries, critiques these myths, and then uses social science research findings to suggest appropriate reforms. Chapters discuss the experience of serving as a juror; jury selection and jury size; and the impact of evidence from eyewitnesses, experts, confessions, and juvenile offenders. The book also covers the process of deciding damages and punishment and the role of emotions in jurors' decision making, and it compares jurors' and judges' decisions. Finally, it reviews a broad range of efforts to reform the jury, including the most promising reforms that have a solid backing in research. " -- Publisher's website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.