Criminal juries in the 21st century

What is it about?

Jury trials are one of the most powerful tools for the democratic administration of justice, but they’re far from perfect. This book brings together research from psychology and law to explore how modern juries really work, what influences their decisions, and how they can be improved. It covers key issues like and how jurors are influenced by different kinds of evidence and their ability to remain fair and impartial. It also examines how technology and media shape jury trials in today’s world. By highlighting the latest findings, the book shows how juries can be both a source of fairness and a place where bias still thrives. Understanding how jurors think, and act can help courts create better jury instructions, reduce prejudice, and protect the rights of people on trial as well as jurors themselves.

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Photo by The Cleveland Museum of Art on Unsplash

Photo by The Cleveland Museum of Art on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Combining real-world legal concerns with psychological research, this volume offers a comprehensive look at how jury decision-making is influenced by social, cognitive, systemic, and technological factors. It advances the field by identifying where juries fall short and suggesting evidence-based reforms to promote fairer trials. It also supports policies that improve jury functioning and protect vulnerable defendants in an increasingly complex legal landscape.