Images of interactive visual environments : do they affect verdict?

David Tait, Jane Goodman-Delahunty

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

Graphic images can influence jury verdicts, tapping into deeper prejudices and emotions. Images of severed heads in Syria or the twisted shell of a smouldering nightclub in Bali are so vivid and memorable that they could potentially crowd out other more mundane pieces of information. Such images may hint at a link to the accused that is not supported by the evidence or may lead jurors to lower the threshold of proof required for a conviction. Moreover, images that purport to simulate an event, such as were used in this project, might be expected to have an even stronger impact than static images like photographs. When the reconstructed scenes are also interactive, allowing the lawyer or witness to “drive” the story according to their own contentions as to what transpired, the audience might become even more engaged. Past research has shown that emotionally evocative evidence, graphic video and photographic images may be persuasive even when that information adds no additional evidentiary value. This chapter explored the following questions: • What influence do demographic and attitudinal differences have on jury verdicts? • Do animations illustrating the prosecution case increase convictions? • Do animations illustrating the defence case counterbalance any prejudice created by the prosecution simulation? • Do jury instructions eliminate or reduce any prejudice created by visual simulations?
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationJuries, Science and Popular Culture in the Age of Terror: the Case of the Sydney Bomber
EditorsDavid Tait, Jane Goodman-Delahunty
Place of PublicationU. K.
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages173-191
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781137554758
ISBN (Print)9781137554741
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • virtual reality
  • jury
  • verdicts

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