My Extended Project

By Charlotte Askey

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.

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 featuresMale Female

Physical features

Physical features

DEBATE

• Sexual orientation

• Body language

• Speech

• Religion and culture

• Gangs

Social features

Social features

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.

Media influence

Negative effect on public opinion...

Media influence

Should the judge give more detailed directions to the jury?

Media influence

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

Interested?