Criminal Psychology Chapter 12 Trial Consultation Talbot Kellogg Community College

Trial Consultation Assists attorneys in Assists attorneys in Forensic Psychologists? Forensic Psychologists? American Society of Trial Consultants (ASTC) American Society of Trial Consultants (ASTC) No certification or licensure requirement No certification or licensure requirement Backgrounds such as psychology, communications, sociology, and political science. Backgrounds such as psychology, communications, sociology, and political science. Criminal v. Civil cases? Criminal v. Civil cases? Ethical Issues. Ethical Issues.

Pretrial Activities Focus Groups – Group studies of the general population or specific groups of interest in order to determine any beliefs, feelings or biases held by that group. Witness preparation Jury Composition issues. Peremptory Challenges Pretrial Publicity issues Change of Venue – i.e. Rodney King Sequestered Voir Dire

Presenting the Case Developing the “story of the case” - narrative Narrative __________ Narrative __________ Timing of the Defense opening statement. 2 options –Making concessions __________ Theory –

Evidence Presentation ________ Position Effect ________ Position Effect ________Effect ________Effect

Closing Arguments First or Last? First or Last? ___________ Approach – ___________ Approach –

Jury Selection Systematic Jury Selection v. Seat of the pants. Systematic Jury Selection v. Seat of the pants. Two primary approaches. Two primary approaches. 1. Broad Attitudes and Traits 2. Case-Specific Approaches

Other Juror Biases The defendant’s characteristics The judge’s instructions