NCJ Number
89768
Date Published
1982
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This article examines the process whereby individual juror preferences are combined to form a jury verdict. It distinguishes among the structure, process, and product of jury deliberations.
Abstract
The primary structural issue concerns the factors related to selecting a jury foreman. The primary process issue concerns the patterns of verbal communication during deliberation. Also examined are ways in which a foreman may exert special influence and the outcome or product of deliberations. The primary product issues are the prediction of the final verdict and the examination of the bases for two consistent consequences of deliberation: the power of majorities and a leniency bias. Footnotes, a few tables, and about 80 references are provided.