Legal Concepts Related to Jury Decision-Making

These flashcards cover key concepts related to jury decision-making, including theories, biases, legal cases, and rules that impact juror behavior.

What is the Liberation Hypothesis in jury decision-making?

When evidence is weak or ambiguous, jurors rely on personal beliefs, bias, or experience rather than the evidence.

What does it mean for an objection to be sustained?

The judge agrees with the objection, and the jury must ignore the statement.

What happens when an objection is overruled?

The statement remains part of the trial.

What are Ironic Processes in the context of jurors?

Trying to ignore inadmissible information can make jurors focus on it more, especially under stress.

What is Reactance Theory?

Jurors may react against judge instructions, giving more weight to inadmissible evidence to protect their decision-making freedom.

What is Leniency Bias?

Jurors tend to favor acquittal when evidence is evenly balanced.

What is Normative Influence?

Conforming to the group to avoid conflict.

What is Informational Influence?

Changing one's view because others seem better informed.

What is a Hung Jury?

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial.

What are the main types of Decision Rules for juries?

Unanimity requires all to agree and encourages discussion; Majority is faster but may risk less thorough decisions.

What did the Williams v. Florida (1970) ruling establish?

Allowed 6-person juries in non-capital cases.

What was the outcome of Ballew v. Georgia (1978)?

Established that juries must be at least 6 people.

What did Johnson v. Louisiana (1972) allow?

Non-unanimous (9–3) verdicts in some cases.

What was the ruling in Burch v. Louisiana (1979)?

Established that 6-person juries must be unanimous.

What is a Dynamite Charge?

A judge urges a deadlocked jury to keep deliberating and reconsider their views.

What is Jury Nullification?

Jurors can ignore the law and acquit based on conscience or justice, though rarely mentioned by judges.