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Explore whether UK juries show bias based on defendant's traits. Investigate impacts on legal system theories. Research methodology, aims, results, and conclusions discussed.
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My Extended Project Bias and discrimination in juries – an investigation into whether juries in the UK are biased in terms of the defendants physical and social characteristics and whether this goes against the theory behind using juries in the English legal system By Charlotte Askey
Hypothesis Juries in the UK may be biased towards certain stereotypical groups. This may depend, however on the makeup of the jury and if this be the case that juries are biased, then some cases will go against the theories behind the use of juries in the English legal system.
Why I chose this topic... • Links to A-levels • Links to intended degree • Interest following AS law
Methodology • Primary research – questionnaire • Secondary research – internet - John Rylands library • Analysis • Interpretation
Aims and objectives SMART targets • Aim: To determine whether juries biased in terms of the defendant’s physical features. • Aim: To decide whether juries biased in terms of the defendant’s social features. • Aim: To confirm whether juries understand their role or not. • Aim: To collate and understand my research
Aim: To write my introduction to my product by 01/10/10 • Aim: To write the methodology section for my project 05/10/10 • Aim: To write the physical features chapter of my extended project by 18/10/10 • Aim: To write the social features chapter of my extended project by 1/11/10 • Aim: To write the ‘Influences on a Jury’ chapter of my extended project by 15/11/10 • Aim: To write the conclusion to my project 31/11/2010 • Aim: To write a review of my project 12/12/2010
What went well? • Information availability • Essay • Self evaluation • New skills
Skills I have learnt... • Time management • Research skills • Skim reading • Decision making • Essay writing • Harvard referencing system • Gannt charts • Self evaluation • People skills • Presentational skills
What didn’t go too well? • Too much information • Primary data irrelevant • Question too open • Didn’t stick to time plan
Physical features Suggests the opposite of what we may expect ... More guilty votes for those who are white Are we scared of being considered to be racist???
Physical features Female Male
DEBATE Is dress social or physical???
Social features • Sexual orientation • Body language • Speech • Religion and culture • Gangs
Media influence Of all stories in the media involving young people, 32% are related to either crime or antisocial behaviour whereas only 8% are on positive achievements. Negative effect on public opinion...
Media influence Should the judge give more detailed directions to the jury?
Media influence What would you do?
Original question Bias and discrimination in juries – an investigation into whether juries in the UK are biased in terms of the defendants physical and social characteristics and whether this goes against the theory behind using juries in the English legal system
Hypothesis Juries in the UK may be biased towards certain stereotypical groups. This may depend, however on the makeup of the jury and if this be the case that juries are biased, then some cases will go against the theories behind the use of juries in the English legal system.
Conclusion ... My hypothesis was correct • Make up of the jury is a major factor – women less likely to convict etc... • Some discrimination in terms of physical features e.g. Age, race • Some discrimination in terms of social features e.g. Body language • Media plays a big role is shaping societies views
Conclusion continued • Not enough evidence to prove fully • Laws prevent some research • People may not tell the truth The public have faith in the jury system
Next time ... • Stick to time plan! • Gather less information • Choose a topic I am more knowledgeable in
Any Questions?
Thank you!!!
