The Influence of Behavioral Genetic Evidence in Court: Comparing a College and a Community Sample

• In Event: Biosocial Research on Criminal Justice Outcomes

Abstract

As the use of behavioral genetic evidence in the courtroom becomes more common (McSwiggan, Elger, & Appelbaum, 2017), it is important to understand the effects of such evidence on potential jurors’ decisions regarding the culpability of the defendant. A limited number of studies have begun to explore the impact of behavioral genetic evidence on jurors’ verdicts and perceptions of the defendant (Appelbaum & Scurich, 2014; Appelbaum, Scurich, & Raad, 2015; Cheung & Heine, 2015; Costa, Pate, & Gibson, forthcoming). Researchers have found that genetic evidence does not appear to influence verdict or sentencing decisions, yet participants are more fearful or apprehensive of defendants who possess a genetic predisposition for violent behavior. Past studies do, however, differentiate in their methodology and their samples. The current study explores differences in juror decision-making when gene-specific evidence is offered to a college sample and a community sample. Implications from the study will assist researchers in understanding how jurors evaluate gene-specific evidence in a legal setting.

Authors

• Margaret Pate, Radford University

• Elise Costa, University of Florida