Minority jurors’ low system trust may shape verdict decisions

Evidence

Another underdeveloped area of research is the role of trust in the system, and how it influences both minorities’ evaluation of defendants and how it might influence the content of jury deliberations. Minorities generally have lower levels of trust in the legal system than White individuals do (e.g., Overby, et al., 2005; Rose, Ellison, & Diamond, 2008; Weitzer & Tuch, 2005). Additionally, some research suggests that some minority groups may have a desire to correct institutional inequalities through their verdict decisions (Hunt, 2015). Levels of trust in the CJS, which differ among racial and ethnic groups, may predict juror’s evidence evaluation or even the extent to which they contribute to a discussion during deliberation. — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 914 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Community sentiment still shapes jury verdicts despite narrowed jury authority — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1415; Minority distrust of the legal system may shape their verdicts — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law: A Definitive Look at…, 914; Minority jurors may use verdicts to correct institutional inequalities — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law: A Definitive Look at…, 914

Broader Connections

• Minority distrust of the legal system may shape their verdicts #corroborates (0.97) — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 914