Can I get a witness? Differences in juror perceptions and behavior across source types

Brewer, PaulPrevious research has attempted to illuminate how specific types of witnesses are perceived on the stand. Expert witnesses may be seen as mercenary, eyewitnesses may be seen as unreliable or unsure, and police witnesses may be viewed as untrustworthy. This study sought to analyze data from an experimental setup to gauge how potential jurors would evaluate each type’s trustworthiness and expertise. Utilizing video testimony and manipulating the label for the witness, this method allowed for comparisons between each type. It found that when jurors perceived the witness as an expert, they found him to be more trustworthy and knowledgeable. Further, a number of background factors were found to predict verdict decisions. Other results and their theoretical implications are discussed, and future paths of research are suggested.University of Delaware, Department of CommunicationM.A