Effects of judicial instructions and juror characteristics on interpretations of beyond reasonable doubt
Article
Mueller-Johnson, K., Dhami, M. and Lundrigan, S. 2018. Effects of judicial instructions and juror characteristics on interpretations of beyond reasonable doubt. Psychology, Crime and Law. 24 (2), pp. 117-133. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2017.1394461
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Effects of judicial instructions and juror characteristics on interpretations of beyond reasonable doubt |
Authors | Mueller-Johnson, K., Dhami, M. and Lundrigan, S. |
Abstract | Purpose and Methods: The standard of proof, beyond reasonable doubt (BRD), serves as a threshold for reaching verdicts in criminal cases. Past research has demonstrated that factors such as the wording of judicial instructions defining the standard can influence people’s interpretation of it. In addition, there is some concern that instructions may not be effective for the wider jury-eligible population. In an experimental study involving members of the general public, we examined the effect of two commonly used judicial instructions (i.e., sure and firmly convinced) against a situation when BRD was undefined, on people’s quantitative interpretations of BRD as well as on their self-reported understanding of the standard and confidence in applying it. We also explored the effect of juror characteristics (i.e., gender, age and education). |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Journal | Psychology, Crime and Law |
ISSN | 1068-316X |
Publication dates | |
Online | 06 Nov 2017 |
07 Feb 2018 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 24 Oct 2017 |
Accepted | 20 Sep 2017 |
Output status | Published |
Accepted author manuscript | |
Copyright Statement | This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Psychology, Crime and Law on 06/12/2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/1068316X.2017.1394461 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2017.1394461 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/873x5
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