Since I have never been called up for jury duty I figured I should do a little research on the actual process of selecting a jury. One of my roommates had been called in for jury duty on a couple of occasions so I spoke with him in regards to how it went and how he felt about the process. To sum up his comments briefly, basically "it was a waste of my time." I found this to be amusing as well as somewhat discerning considering being evaluated by a "jury of your peers" is a large part of our legal system. Upon questioning why he felt that way he responded, "it costs you money when you have to miss out on work, just to be called in twice, and sent home twice." With that being said, I can understand his distaste for jury duty. This had me wondering if he had used any psychological cues that may have led to him being dismissed. Turns out there are actually web sites dedicated in helping you AVOID jury duty.
http://www.courtreporterschools.com/?page_id=7
I also found a web site that sells a book on how to avoid jury duty. Leave it to someone to find a way to make money off of tips on how to get out of the selection process.
http://www.avoidingjuryduty.com/
The process begins with jurors being selected at random from an already compiled list of people (examples: listing of licensed drivers, public utility service records, or even polling precinct lists). After people are selected at random they are called in and go through a basic question/answer screening. If a juror has "passed" they will then be examined by the prosecution and defense teams (this is known as voir dire). This consists of general questions posed to the possible jury as a group, as well as more in-depth questions on a individual level.
There are actually quite a few aspects of psychology that tie in with this process of law. Possible jurors perceptions are tested, in which each response is judged. The entire process falls within social psychology since jurors are questioned on areas such as: race, opinions on stereotyping, and other "hot topic" areas. If the perspective juror has any sort of psychological disorder (choose any that fall under abnormal psychology) chances are they are going to be excused from duty.
In my opinion I feel that jury duty, even though it doesn't pay well (and in some instances is a "waste" of time), is still a duty we should all have to complete at some point in our lives. This should especially hit home for victims of crimes that would want a good set of jurors in choosing their fate in the courtroom.
For further readings and information please visit the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_selection
http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/jury-selection.html
http://www.courtreporterschools.com/?page_id=7
I also found a web site that sells a book on how to avoid jury duty. Leave it to someone to find a way to make money off of tips on how to get out of the selection process.
http://www.avoidingjuryduty.com/
The process begins with jurors being selected at random from an already compiled list of people (examples: listing of licensed drivers, public utility service records, or even polling precinct lists). After people are selected at random they are called in and go through a basic question/answer screening. If a juror has "passed" they will then be examined by the prosecution and defense teams (this is known as voir dire). This consists of general questions posed to the possible jury as a group, as well as more in-depth questions on a individual level.
There are actually quite a few aspects of psychology that tie in with this process of law. Possible jurors perceptions are tested, in which each response is judged. The entire process falls within social psychology since jurors are questioned on areas such as: race, opinions on stereotyping, and other "hot topic" areas. If the perspective juror has any sort of psychological disorder (choose any that fall under abnormal psychology) chances are they are going to be excused from duty.
In my opinion I feel that jury duty, even though it doesn't pay well (and in some instances is a "waste" of time), is still a duty we should all have to complete at some point in our lives. This should especially hit home for victims of crimes that would want a good set of jurors in choosing their fate in the courtroom.
For further readings and information please visit the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_selection
http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/jury-selection.html
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