Race and juror decision

1 JANUARY 2003

Does the race of an accused person influence the jurors’ decision of guilt or innocence? The answer is ‘no’ if the accused is of Asian ethnicity, according to a Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher. Pamela Henry will receive her doctorate for her PhD Race and Juror Decision at CSU Bathurst Campus graduation on Friday 11 May. “The findings were counter-intuitive. There is no evidence to suggest that an Asian accused is more likely to be found guilty. An explanation could lie in theories of modern racism where the general public is more aware that it is not socially acceptable to have their prejudicial views influence their decisions”. Ms Henry is keen to continue her research, next concentrating on Indigenous people. “If jurors, judges and magistrates are aware of the factors that can influence decision making then they can do something about it.”

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