Jury Decision-Making

By: Amanda Moore

&

What is it ?

“a communication process that sometimes develops when members of a group begin thinking similarly, greatly

reducing the probability that the group will reach an effective decision” ( Infante, Rancer, &

Avtgis, 2009).

ed

Irving L. Janis

It affects the courtroom

Because of…Conformity

Self-Censorship Mind-Guards

“members who protect the majority group from information that is contradictory to the group’s view and or decisions” ( Janis,1982, p. 244).

“Doubts and deviations from the perceived group consensus are not expressed” (Janis, 1982, p. 244)

“A type of group influence, a change in the individual brought about by pressure for the person to behave in a manner advocated by the group” (Infante, Rancer, Atvgis, 2009, p. 286).

So What?

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the

right to a speedy and

public trial, by an

impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witness against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.”

Criticism

Everyone’s individual voteshould be taken into consideration

Dissenters have power through the Minority Influence Theory (Nemeth, 2010).

If you are ever in this situation

Remember

Consider the Evidence

Avoid Conformity

Avoid Groupthink

Remember

Individual Majority

The

End