Court Proceedings: Jury Biases - Assignment Example

Biases Influencing Juror Decisions Number Biases that Could Impact Juror Decisions Jurors are expected to hear submissions of both the accused and the prosecution, and use the information and proofs given as a foundation for deciding whether the former is guilty or not. In arriving at a decision, different biases are at play including; age, health status and social-legal factors such as living arrangements, family income, probation status and child protection. Firstly, in respect of age, children approaching adulthood (16-17 year olds) are more likely to be detained by jurors than their younger counterparts as a deterrent measure (Ogloff, & Whittemore, 1995).

Similarly, adult breadwinners in their 30s or 40s and geriatrics may enjoy the same clemency extended to children. Secondly, individuals who are likely to be suffer personal injury in long detentions due to preexisting health conditions usually attract juror’s bias resulting in limited sentencing as a way of preserving their lives. These include geriatrics or younger adults with underlying health complications which need constant medical attention. By contrast, jurors are likely to order the summary acquittal of mental disorder cases and their detention in mental facilities to avoid injury to their person or neighbors (Ogloff, & Whittemore, 1995).

Thirdly, social-legal factors also result in juror bias: for example, young individuals without stable residence are likely to be detained jurors believe that enforcing their compliance with the judicial process would be difficult when they roam freely. The same case applies to youth living with their pals or independently (Ogloff, & Whittemore, 1995). Lastly, criminal history of the accused is also another ground for juror bias. Accused parties who have a bad or criminal past would be subject to lengthier detention as compared to their more peaceful counterparts.

Jurors consider criminal behavior a recurrent phenomenon. In a nutshell, jurors’ decisions are meant to deter crime, protect the basic interests of vulnerable communities and deliver justice for the accused party and the victims in a manner that attracts biases. ReferenceOgloff, J.R.P., & Whittemore, K.E., (1995). Factors that influence jury decision making. Law and Human Behavior, 19(3), 283-303.