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Perceived Masculinity Predicts U.S. Supreme Court Outcomes
Daniel Chen1, Yosh Halberstam2, Alan C L Yu3
1Institute for Advanced Study, Toulouse School of Economics, Toulouse, France.
Plos One
|October 14, 2016
Summary
Lawyers perceived as less masculine based on brief vocal cues are more likely to win cases at the Supreme Court. This study highlights the impact of vocal characteristics on legal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Law
- Acoustics
Background:
- Previous research indicates language is crucial in legal settings.
- No definitive link established between vocal traits and court case results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if vocal characteristics of lawyers predict Supreme Court case outcomes.
- To determine the correlation between perceived personality traits from voice and judicial decisions.
Main Methods:
- Participants rated male Supreme Court advocates' opening statements (1998-2012) on traits like masculinity and confidence.
- Analysis focused on snap judgments from less than three seconds of audio.
- Correlations were drawn between perceived traits and case outcomes.
Main Results:
- Perceived masculinity from voice significantly correlated with court outcomes.
- Male advocates perceived as less masculine were more successful.
- Other judged personality dimensions did not predict case results.
Conclusions:
- Vocal characteristics, particularly perceived masculinity, can influence legal proceedings.
- Even brief vocal impressions may impact outcomes in high-stakes legal environments like the Supreme Court.
- Findings suggest subconscious biases related to voice may play a role in judicial settings.
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