Analysis of Scientific Jury Selection
Abstract
The study of "scientific jury selection" has provided me with
an exciting opportunity to integrate my two primary fields of
interest - psychology and law. Recognizing the extensive body of
literature that has accumulated on this subject, I have included
the works and references that I believe to be the most important
and pivotal.
To supplement my formal research of the literature on the
subject, I have also conducted extensive interviews of prominent
professionals who are involved in varying ways with the task of
jury selection. These interviews included a number of trial
attorneys, some of whom are specifically mentioned in the body of
the paper. I interviewed several trial judges. I observed jury
trials and in one particular case had the opportunity to·speak to
the attorneys on both sides, as well as the presiding judge.
I also served as a member of a mock jury for a tria1 practice class
at the University of Detroit Law School. In addition, I spoke to
professionals who work as aids and advisers to attorneys in the
jury selection process. These were people who, particularly in
the case of Dr. Jay Schulman and Ms Courtney Mullin, specialize in
jury selection techniques.