The Juror Factor: Race and Gender in America's Civil Courts (Law and Society) (Law and Society, Recent Scholarship)

The Juror Factor examines how jurors reach their verdicts in complex civil trials. In particular, the book explores the relationship between juror factors--that is, jurors' race, gender, income, education and personal beliefs--and verdicts. While most research has found no link between verdicts and juror factors, this book, using new, previously unavailable data, argues that the composition of a jury can have a strong effect on the outcome of a trial. The book also explores the implications of this relationship for jury selection procedures and tort reform proposals. The book's final chapter offers a glimpse behind the closed doors of the jury room and a look at the effects of jury deliberations.