Social Psychology in Court

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how social psychology sheds light on the dynamics which influence decisions made by juries in court cases. The paper first looks at the typical concerns about the reliability of a jury to be unbiased. The paper then refers to several court cases that show how, since the 1970's, social psychologists have been used by counsel to help ensure victory in the outcome of certain cases. The paper concludes that although many feel that using social psychology in the act of jury selection is unfair, the field of mastering jury selection is still young and will continue to be debated.

From the Paper:

"The psychology of groups shows up in unique courtroom situations. This group mentality is in the realm of social psychology. Social psychology "concerns the study of the individual in a social context," (Hughes 2007). In recent years, many researchers have seen correlations between the findings of social psychology and the dynamics which influence decisions made by juries in court cases. Audrey Cleary, in her work "Scientific Jury Selection: History, Practice, and Controversy," states that the concept of jury selection is "the application of behavioral and social scientific principles to the selection of jurors most sympathetic to a particular side of a court case," (Cleary p.1). Both prosecutors and defense lawyers utilize individual and group psychology in order to choose a jury that best serves their purpose, which is to win the case."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cleary, Audrey. "Scientific Jury Selection: History, Practice, and Controversy." Villanova University. 2005. Retrieved on November 27 2007 at http://www.publications.villanova.edu/concept/2005/jury_selection.pdf
• Hughes, Brian. "Psychology in Court: An Overview." Retrieved on November 27, 2007 at http://nuigalway.ie/law/GSLR/1998/art2.html
• Liner, Douglass. "O. J. Simpson Trial." Pittsburgh University. Retrieved on November 27, 2007 at http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/trials10.htm

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