Citation

Kasian M, Spanos NP, Terrance CA, Peebles S. Law Hum. Behav. 1993; 17(3): 289-312.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1007/BF01044510

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Assessed acquittal rates using mock jurors in cases involving a battered woman charged with killing her husband. 606 undergraduate psychology students (17-70 yrs) participated in 2 experiments. The simulated trial format was based on actual courtroom proceedings including witness cross-examinations and jury deliberations. The type of plea entered was varied and reflected either self-defense (SD), automatism, or a hypothetical plea of psychological SD. The severity of abuse incurred by the defendant was also varied along with expert testimony. Expert witness testimony was observed to influence verdicts during juror deliberations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)