Jury Decision Making and Expert Testimony

These flashcards encompass key terms and definitions relevant to jury decision making and the role of expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Jury Nullification

The ability of a jury to refuse to convict a defendant if they believe the law is outdated or unjust.

Orientation Stage

The initial phase of jury decision making where jurors determine whether to take a verdict-driven or evidence-driven approach.

Normative Influence

When a juror is persuaded to conform to the majority’s opinion, despite their own beliefs.

Informational Influence

When a juror privately accepts challenges to their views based on factual evidence presented.

Judicial Instructions

Guidance provided by the judge to jurors about how to interpret the law and apply it to the case.

Expert Witness

A specialist who provides their expert opinion to help clarify complex issues in a trial.

Eyewitness Memory

The recollection of events by individuals who witnessed them; generally viewed with skepticism by jurors.

CSI Effect

Influence of crime television shows on jurors' perceptions of evidence and legal processes.

Mock Trials

Simulated court trials used for research where variables can be manipulated to study juror behavior.

Victim Credibility

The perceived reliability or believability of a victim's testimony, which can be influenced by various factors such as age or behavior.

Allegiance Effect

The tendency for evaluators to favor the side they are supporting due to inherent biases.

Expert Testimony Impact

The effect that expert witness testimony has on jurors' decisions, often leading to more lenient verdicts.

Probative Value

The ability of evidence to prove something relevant in a trial, important for jury decision making.

Demographic Characteristics

Traits such as age, gender, race, or education level that can influence jury verdicts.

Battered Woman Syndrome

A psychological condition that can affect a woman’s judgment and behavior in abusive relationships, often used in legal defenses.

Cross Examination

A stage in trial where an opposing lawyer questions a witness to challenge their credibility or testimony.

The Role of Prejudice in Jury Decision Making

The potential bias jurors may hold based on personal beliefs or stereotypes that can influence their verdicts.

Emotional Appeals in Court

Strategies used by attorneys to evoke an emotional response from jurors, aiming to sway their decisions.

Impact of Jury Size

The influence that the number of jurors has on the deliberation process and the likelihood of reaching a unanimous verdict.

Jury Deliberation Process

The method by which jurors discuss and evaluate evidence to reach a verdict.

Cultural Differences in Perception

Variations in how jurors from different backgrounds interpret evidence and legal arguments