Conflict, Complexity, and Hung Juries

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Studies have shown that jurors show the highest views of case complexity and one area of confusion is a lack of the jurors’ comprehension of the law. Previous research has found that juries who are unable to understand evidence, procedures and instructions, and have varying opinions of the law, are more likely to report conflict on the jury and are more likely to nullify or be a hung jury. This study aims to examine how experience, views of complexity and jury dynamics may affect possible conflicts within the jury. Data was used from the data set, Evaluation of Hung Juries in Bronx County, New York, Los Angeles County, California, Maricopa County, Arizona, and Washington, DC, 2000-2001. Results showed that those who reported more difficulty reaching a decision and viewed the case as more complex did report more conflict on the jury. These results support previous research on how case complexity can affect jurors and provide evidence that juror may need more and/or better instructions when serving on a jury.

Author

• Stephanie Michelle Mintz, University of Florida