Demographics In Civil Trials: Biases And Implications

Abstract

This paper investigates the implications of the demographics of jury members and its influence on

Expert Witness Evidence in Sexual Assault Trials: Questions, Answers and Law Reform in Australia and England

“…12 Another study found that a victim's credibility, presence of injury, use of force/weapon and corroborating evidence affected police and court outcomes. 13 Although prosecutors and jurors look for corroborative evidence to support a complainant's word, most sexual assault cases do not involve injury to the complainant, use of a weapon, eyewitnesses or forensic evidence.…”

“…11 The focus of prosecutorial decisions has been partly empirically validated in a study which found that criminal proceedings were more likely to be instigated if there was less than a 10-year gap between the offence and report to the police, 'if the offence involved some aggravating factor' and if the victim was older than 10 years and 'could be regarded as more credible'. 12 Another study found that a victim's credibility, presence of injury, use of force/weapon and corroborating evidence affected police and court outcomes. 13 Although prosecutors and jurors look for corroborative evidence to support a complainant's word, most sexual assault cases do not involve injury to the complainant, use of a weapon, eyewitnesses or forensic evidence.…”