Citation

Lonergan M, Leclerc ME, Descamps M, Pigeon S, Brunet A. J. Crim. Justice 2016; 47: 51-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2016.07.003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Jury duty is a compulsory, yet stressful, experience. Experts have argued that some jurors may experience trauma-related symptoms (e.g., intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hyperarousal, anhedonia, depression). Understanding how jury duty affects mental health has significant socio-legal implications. This manuscript presents a review of the literature examining the prevalence and severity of trauma-related symptoms stemming from jury duty.

METHOD: A systematic search for articles was carried out using Psychlnfo, ProQuest Dissertations, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and HeinOnline. Inclusion criteria were: 1) reported original research; 2) reported a mental health outcome in former jurors. Data were extracted and summarized using a standard form.

RESULTS: Eighteen studies were reviewed. Trauma-related symptoms were found in as many as 50% of jurors, which persisted for months in a minority of individuals. Factors related to deliberations, trial complexity, and graphic evidence were identified as consistent sources of stress. Female gender and history of prior trauma was associated with post-trial pathology.

CONCLUSION: A minority of jurors may be at increased risk for psychopathology as a result of their service, especially in cases involving violent crime. However, methodological limitations found across studies highlight the need for caution in this interpretation and for further empirical research. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en