Cristina Frangulian
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Josh Pasek
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Communication and Media / LSA
Program:
Authors: Cristina Frangulian, Josh Pasek
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 47
Abstract
Implicit bias refers to subconsciously stereotyping individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or other social identifiers. Implicit bias within the jury decision-making process presents a critical challenge to the fair administration of justice. When individuals employ negative attitudes in their evaluations of a case, they can make decisions that codify racial bias. Prior research by Jennifer Elek and Paula Hannaford Agor has shown that specialized jury instructions could reduce expressions of implicit bias. This study aims to investigate and understand the effectiveness of similar interventions relating to biases, stereotypes, and perspective-taking within legal systems. By examining national jury instruction videos, case laws, and reviewing literature, we find that jury instructions have a real but limited capacity to influence the expression of bias. Specifically, the instructions reduced the extent to which some types of bias influenced choices but had a smaller influence on bias levels themselves. The findings of this research have noteworthy implications for addressing the ongoing issue of implicit bias within jurors. By identifying successful interventions, judges, lawyers, and other legal practitioners can implement changes to ensure that jury verdicts reflect the principles of equality and fairness.
