The Impact of Social Stereotypes on Juror´s Decisions

The number of psychological studies on the impact of social stereotypes on jury decisions is increasing. Previous studies have shown that differences in social categories (Deaux, K, 1984) and sex of criminals (eg, Clark, HL, and Nightingale, NN, 1997; Mallozi, J, McDermott, V., and Kayson, WA, 1990), which had been influenced. ) Current research is questioning whether male defendants are more likely to be convicted than female accused at all times, or whether matching with crime types is important.

The jury is also affected by the character of the accused, such as its charm, ethnicity, socio-economic status. The defendant is believed to be guilty because it comes from a social category that is closely related to the characteristics of a particular crime that he is committed. This is not just a stereotype of recognition of defendant's appearance. The court's design also influences how the jury judges the case. In one of our studies, the accused sitting at a bar table with a lawyer was thought to be more likely to commit a crime than a defendant sitting on an open dock or glassed dock.

Myths and stereotypes about rape and sexual violence are common in the general society. As the jury is a member of the general public and has been chosen at random to express the views of the community, their attitude towards the courts will largely reflect broad community attitudes and beliefs. Measuring the degree of community myths and stereotypes provides some indication of the type of belief that may be spread among juries. Sexual violence may be prosecuted in Australia's lower courts, district courts and the High Court (including the Supreme Court). The court that raises the lawsuit may vary according to jurisdiction, severity, claims and / or appeal. In general, the lower courts deal with less serious complaints. The lower court handled numerous sexual assaults. A more serious allegation first enters a lower court hearing to decide whether the case will be heard.