Implicit and Ingrained? Reducing Unconscious Bias Among Jurors
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
In this chapter, we explain why juror bias is problematic and examine methods for identifying and reducing both explicit and implicit bias. We review the research establishing the failures of voir dire. This process is intended to protect defendants’ right to an impartial jury yet does not effectively root out biased jurors. Improvements to voir dire involve additional questioning to identify explicit bias. Questionnaires administered before trial enable jurors to answer honestly without the pressures of judicial questioning. Yet, questionnaires cannot uncover implicit bias. We end by reviewing two promising efforts to address implicit bias: increasing jury diversity and implicit bias training. We summarize the necessary components of effective implicit bias training and encourage social scientists to collaborate with courts to better understand how this training affects juror decision making.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003219286-34
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Implicit and Ingrained? Reducing Unconscious Bias Among Jurors, in E. Verona & B. Fox (Eds.), Routledge Handbook of Evidence-Based Criminal Justice Practices, Routledge, p. 265-271
Scholar Commons Citation
Jones, Angela M. and Ruva, Christine L., "Implicit and Ingrained? Reducing Unconscious Bias Among Jurors" (2023). Psychology Sarasota Manatee Campus Faculty Publications. 22.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/psy_facpub_sm/22
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
