LS272 Lecture 13: Psychology in the Courtroom
13 Feb 2019
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Ls 272 - lecture 13 - psychology in the courtroom. Using directly relevant info in order to come to a judgment. Judgments influenced by things that aren"t directly relevant. Some people are just seen more naturally credible than other. Tend to be more sympathetic to a defendant we can identify with. People similar to us should behave as we do, therefore give them the benefit of the doubt. Naturally tend to have quick judgments of people based on their appearance. Rely on generalized stereotypes to tell us what people are like. For minor misdemeanors, not too much difference. Moderate misdemeanors, criminals that were deemed attractive received a lower fine. For severe misdemeanors, fines significantly higher for criminals who were not conventionally attractive. Need to make sense of multiple, divergent accounts. Creating a story that makes sense : common biases. Language shapes how we understand things, and lawyers know this. The words that get said carry the bulk of the weight.
