Pickel

Reaching a Verdict – How Psychology Can Inform Behaviour in the Courtroom

Persuading a Jury

1.3 Effect of Evidence Being Ruled Inadmissible (barred)

·        The law says that in order for evidence to be admissible in court, its relevance must outweigh its potential for discrimination. 

·        Inadmissible evidence includes rumour, past convictions and evidence obtained by illegal means. 

·        If inadmissible evidence is presented in error by a witness, the judge will direct the jury to disregard what they have just heard. 

·        However, by drawing their attention to it, it may be that the jury in fact pays even more attention to it. 

Key Study: Pickel, Investigating the Effect of Instructions to Disregard Inadmissible Evidence

Aims –

1.     To look at the effect of prior convictions

2.     To look at the role of the judges instructions when they were followed by a legal explanation

3.     To examine…