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Psychological Testimony and the Decisions of Prospective Death-Qualified Jurors (From Death Penalty in America: Current Research, P 71-88, 1991, Robert M Bohm, ed. -- See NCJ-127534)

NCJ Number
127539
Author(s)
F P Williams III; M D McSahne
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the effect of psychiatric testimony on the sentencing decisions of jurors in capital cases regarding issues of credibility and changing conviction decisions.
Abstract
Data was obtained from a survey mailed to prospective jurors that contained a factorial scenario and a questionnaire package on jury and trial issues. The survey procedure resulted in 1,389 responses. The two independent variables were temporary insanity and the more general term, mental illness, whereas trust, conviction, and sentencing comprised the dependent variables. Data analysis reveals that a crime control/due process scheme influences the minds of prospective jurors, particularly perception of psychiatric testimony and the reception of insanity evidence during the conviction and sentencing phases of a capital trial. The introduction of psychiatric testimony at the sentencing phase benefits a defendant dependent upon race and gender. However, introduction of psychiatric testimony at the conviction phase influences the prospective death qualified jurors to perceive this information negatively. 3 notes, 20 references, and 4 cases