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How Interrogation Length, Age, and Crime Impact Perceptions of Evidence in Criminal Trials

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Abstract

A juror’s perception of the strength of the evidence presented during a criminal trial is the most important factor in determining the resulting verdict, yet little is known about how dispositional and situational factors impact these perceptions. This study seeks to determine the impact of interrogation length, defendant age, and alleged crime on jurors’ perceptions of evidence strength. Prior research has found that each of these individual factors can impact the perceived strength of the evidence, yet little is known about how these factors will influence the resulting verdict. Using an experimental survey model, the current study surveys over 500 online mock-jurors. Results indicated the length of the interrogation significantly influenced mock jurors’ opinions on evidence strength as well as their resulting verdict in a fictional case. Additionally, confessions offered by younger defendants may be viewed as less strong by respondents regardless of how long the interrogation lasted, and respondents were more likely to convict the defendant for the less serious of two crimes. Implications of these findings and future research directions are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr.’s James Acker, Shawn Bushway and Christopher Kelly for their helpful comments and review throughout this research project. Dr. Allison Redlich, without whose effort this project would not be completed, deserves individual thanks. Finally, I offer a special thanks to my wife, family, and friends for their support throughout the years.

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  1. Criminal Justice Department, SUNY Oswego, 7060 State Route 104, Oswego, NY, 13126-3599, USA

    Jeremy J. Shifton

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Correspondence to Jeremy J. Shifton.

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Shifton, J.J. How Interrogation Length, Age, and Crime Impact Perceptions of Evidence in Criminal Trials. Am J Crim Just 47, 266–286 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-021-09645-6

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