The Effect of Jurors' Race on Their Response to Scientific Evidence (Criminal Justice: Recent Scholarship)

Albertson seeks to analyze the influence of jurors' race on perceptions of complex scientific evidence. Jury eligible citizens viewed a mock criminal trial involving the presentation of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA). White and African American mock jurors' perceptions of mtDNA were measured. Although robust findings were discovered regarding race, results imply that an educational background in science and math is important. The present study has shown the negative impact that low levels of science and math courses have on perceptions of scientific evidence. Courtroom evidence will only continue to become even more complex in the future. The importance of scientific literacy and jury reform is discussed. Table of Contents 8 Acknowledgments 8 CHAPTER 1: The Importance of Jurors’ Race 14 CHAPTER 2: The Impact of Attitude Formation on Jury Decision Making 20 CHAPTER 3: Background: The Science of DNA and the Use of Complex Scientific Evidence in the Courts 40 CHAPTER 4: Scientific Evidence and Juror Comprehension .. 66 CHAPTER 5: An Analysis of Jurors’ Race and Education 92 CHAPTER 6: Summary of Findings: The Need for Reform . 132 APPENDIX: Juror Questionnaires 140 References 160 Index 172 The Importance Of Jurors' Race -- The Impact Of Attitude Formation On Jury Decision Making -- Background : The Science Of Dna And The Use Of Complex Scientific Evidence In The Courts -- Scientific Evidence And Juror Comprehension -- An Analysis Of Jurors' Race And Education -- Summary Of Findings : The Need For Reform. Stephanie L. Albertson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 147-158) And Index.