Psychological mechanisms underlying race-based peremptory challenges
Item
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Title
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Psychological mechanisms underlying race-based peremptory challenges
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:bffe867ef1b4:10899
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identifier
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11237
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Creator
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Kennard, Julia Clara Busso,
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Contributor
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Margaret B. Kovera
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Date
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2011
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology | Social psychology | Batson | Jury Selection | Peremptory Challenge | Race | Racial Bias | Voir Dire
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Abstract
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Despite the Supreme Court decision prohibiting race-based peremptory challenges (Batson v. Kentucky; 1986), prosecuting attorneys strike Black venirepersons at higher rates than they strike White venirepersons (Clark, Boccaccini, Caillouet, & Chaplin, 2007; Rose, 1999; Sommers & Norton, 2007). I conducted two studies to explore the psychological mechanisms underlying race-based peremptory challenges. Study One tested the unconscious and conscious psychological influences on attorneys' strike decisions and the circumstances under which racial bias can be reduced. Study Two tested whether attorneys are driven by beliefs in the legal attitudes of Black and White jurors, beliefs in in-group favoritism between jurors and defendants, or both. Venireperson race influenced attorneys' strike decisions; however, contrary to past research, the racial bias in attorneys' decisions was directed at the White venireperson. Venireperson race was less likely to affect attorneys' strike decisions when they were warned explicitly about the Batson restrictions. There was some evidence that endorsement of stereotypes about the legal attitudes of Black and White jurors was related to attorneys' decisions but there was no evidence that beliefs about in-group/out-group bias influenced their decisions. Possible explanations for the unexpected discrimination against White venirepersons are discussed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
