Citation

Gambetti E, Nori R, Giusberti F. Psychol. Rep. 2016; 119(2): 395-410.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0033294116661545

PMID

27469365

Abstract

The present study examined the influence of specific evidence and testimonies on a juror's decision to make a verdict of intentional or negligent homicide in a Civil law country. Italian students (N = 280; M age = 25.0 years, SD = 2.9) read different affidavits characterized by the presence or absence of three elements against the defendant: motive, skill in use of weapons, and previous violence toward the victim. Participants then decided a verdict and provided a confidence judgment on their decision.

RESULTS showed that the presence of motive, skill, and previous violence influenced the jurors' decision, significantly changing the verdict from negligent to intentional homicide. The findings were discussed in terms of the folk-concept approach of intentionality.

© The Author(s) 2016.

Language: en