What Happens Inside Jurors’ Minds When a Judge Directs Them to Ignore What They Have Heard?
Researchers at the University of Chicago tried to answer this question. The answer (no surprise) = it depends. Importantly for courtroom actors, it appears that when jurors are convinced of the reasons for bracketing out impermissible evidence, compliance with the instruction increases.
California Supreme Court Rejects Claim That Trial Judge Committed Error in Not Approving Jury Trial Expert for Capital Case Defendant
In State v. Bell, the defense raised multiple legal theories to support the claim that it was wrongfully deprived of a jury expert, including that the prosecution was better equipped to conduct juror qualification analysis during voir dire. The en banc opinion provides readers with instructive analysis of the factors it considered in affirming the trial outcome.
Trial Judge Seals Juror Identities, Verdict Forms, and Voir Dire Transcripts After Guilty Verdict Against Police Officer
The April 12 issue of Jur-E Bulletin reported on the ongoing trial of an ex-police officer charged with murder of an unarmed yoga teacher and meditation coach from Australia. The defendant was recently found guilty. Given the high-profile nature of the case, Minnesota Judge Kathryn Quaintance issued a broad order protecting the identities of all jurors “until further order of the Court.” She further noted jurors “are free to speak with whomever they choose about the case and to identify themselves should they so choose.”
Can Blockchain Technology Improve One’s Jury Duty Experience?
A Forbes magazine contributor argues that blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and digital identifiers should be used to improve courthouse efficiencies and boost citizen satisfaction with jury service.
Wonder Woman Acquitted of Criminal Charges in Council Bluffs Trial
At a Law Day educational event, the Iowa Legal Aid Society asked a jury of fifth graders to determine whether Wonder Woman (played by a Audubon County attorney) committed breaking and entering and “criminal mischief.” The Daily Nonpariel newspaper reported that, after rendering their not-guilty verdict, students shared insights and asked questions that we readers will see remarkably resemble those posed by real jurors.
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