NCJ Number
148430
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1994) Pages: 151-170
Date Published
1994
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data were obtained from extensive interviews with 27 jurors who served on capital murder trials to examine juror perspectives on the purpose and importance of the penalty trial, the organization and mechanics of the penalty deliberation, the effect of sentencing instructions on the deliberation process, the way in which jurors view their responsibilities, the importance of the possibility of parole in determining the sentence, and the stress associated with capital jury service.
Abstract
The findings showed that jurors relied heavily on sentencing instruction to guide their penalty decisionmaking and to determine their responsibilities. Future dangerousness of the defendant and the possibility of parole were critical factors in the decision between imprisonment and the death penalty. While jurors found their service to be stressful, they believed that sentencing decisions in capital cases should be made by a jury. The experience of these jurors raise a variety of legal and psychological issues in terms of guiding discretion while preserving responsibility and fairness, considering future dangerousness, and taking into full account mitigating circumstances. 8 notes and 41 references