The Influence of Testimonial Aids, Victim Age, and Familiarity on Mock Juror Decision-Making in a Sexual Offence Case

Abstract

The current study examined the influence of testimonial aids (e.g., testifying behind a screen), in combination with victim-defendant familiarity, and victim age, on mock jurors’ judgments in a sexual offence case. The sample included undergraduate mock jurors (N = 256) who read a trial summary and answered questions regarding their perception of defendant guilt and defendant and victim credibility. Mock jurors were impacted by the use of testimonial aids, such that they were more likely to render a guilty verdict and assign higher guilt ratings to the defendant, as well as perceive the victim more positively when a testimonial aid was used compared with testifying live in court. The use of a testimonial aid also interacted with victim-defendant familiarity, such that mock jurors rated the defendant as more guilty when a testimonial aid was used and the defendant was described as a stranger, compared with a familiar family member. The use of testimonial accommodations, in combination with other extralegal factors, impacts mock jurors’ judgments.