Forensic psychologists are often hired by trial attorneys as trial consultants. In the role of trial consultants, forensic psychologists can prepare witnesses for what to expect and how to answer questions. They can assist attorneys with opening and closing statements and with the presentation of the evidence. Lastly, they can assist attorneys with jury selection. While forensic psychologists do not choose which prospective jurors will be selected, they can help with voir dire questions, and make suggestions as to who would and who would not make a “good” juror.
During voir dire, attorneys ask prospective jurors several questions about their background, attitudes, and biases, among other things. Based on the information obtained from voir dire questioning, attorneys either ask the judge to accept jurors to the case or dismiss them. Forensic psychologists can assist attorneys by either suggesting beforehand the “type” of juror the attorney should look for, or by listening to voir dire interviews and recommending that certain jurors be chosen.
For this Discussion, you examine the use of forensic psychologists in the jury selection process. You identify a current civil or criminal court case that exemplifies the use of forensic psychologists in jury selection.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review Chapter 12 in Forensic Psychology. Reflect on the ethical issues surrounding the jury selection process. Review the article “Litigation Consulting: Expanding Beyond Jury Selection to Trial Strategy and Tactics.” Consider the impact of jury thought and decision-making on the
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
TO PREPARE
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/234841/pages/week-2-learning-resources?module_item_id=10135070
selection process. Review the article “Detecting deception during voir dire.” Think about why potential jurors might lie during voir dire, and how psychologists can help attorneys detect deceptive jurors. Review the article “Social media selection: How jury consultants can use social media to build a more favorable jury.” Imagine how a potential juror’s social media presence could influence whether or not they get chosen to sit on a jury. Select a current civil or criminal court case that demonstrates the need for use of a forensic psychologist in jury selection. To find a case, access a website in Optional Resources or perform a search on the defendant’s name of a case reported on in the media.
Post a response to the following:
Based on the case you selected for this discussion, answer the following questions:
Under what circumstance is it best to use a forensic psychologist in jury selection? How can a psychologist assist both the prosecution and defense during jury selection? What are some challenges for a forensic psychologist when assisting in jury selection?
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Respond to postings from at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question and provide insight into how you would answer your question and why. Ask a probing question and provide the foundation, or rationale, for the question. Expand on your colleague’s posting by offering a new perspective or insight. Agree with a colleague and offer additional (new) supporting information for consideration.
Disagree with a colleague by respectfully discussing and supporting a different perspective.
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