How jurors use and misuse character evidence

Area of Science:

• Legal Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Evidence Law

Background:

• The Federal Rules of Evidence permit defendants to present good character evidence (CE).
• It is commonly assumed jurors use CE for guilt assessment and impeachment evidence for witness credibility.
• This study investigates the actual impact of CE and impeachment on juror perceptions and verdicts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the assumptions about how jurors process character evidence (CE) and impeachment.
• To examine the effects of CE and impeachment on juror judgments of defendants and witnesses.
• To analyze the influence of CE and impeachment on guilt and conviction decisions.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted with mock jurors evaluating simulated cases.
• Participants were presented with varying forms of character evidence and impeachment.
• Data collected included trait ratings for witnesses and defendants, and guilt/conviction judgments.

Main Results:

• Positive character evidence (CE) did not significantly influence guilt or conviction judgments.
• Cross-examination of character witnesses led to a 'backlash effect,' resulting in harsher judgments.
• Path analysis modeled the influence of CE and impeachment on impressions and verdicts.

Conclusions:

• Juror processing of character evidence and impeachment deviates from assumed models.
• Impeachment, particularly cross-examination, can negatively impact defendants through backlash effects.
• Findings have significant implications for understanding juror decision-making in legal contexts.