Juror decision-making concerning defendants with mental health conditions – A systematic review of experimental studies

Holmes, Harriet L. and Beazley, Peter (2025) Juror decision-making concerning defendants with mental health conditions – A systematic review of experimental studies. Psychology, Crime and Law. ISSN 1477-2744 (In Press)

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Abstract

This systematic review explores the methodological characteristics, features and findings of empirical research adopting an experimental mock juror design to investigate legal decision-making regarding defendants with mental health conditions. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsyArticles and Web of Science, with thirty-two eligible studies included within the final review. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). All studies were conducted across the United States and Canada, with the exception of one conducted in the United Kingdom. Studies varied significantly in their aims, sampling, variables manipulated and other methodological characteristics. A range of non-significant, and significant aggravating and mitigating effects were found in relation to the effect of different diagnostic terms, types of evidence presented and other defendant or participant characteristics on mock jurors’ verdict and sentencing decisions. Inconsistencies in direction of effect were found even amongst the higher quality studies. Strengths, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Data availability statement: The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	07 Oct 2025 09:30
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2025 09:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100657
DOI:	issn:1477-2744

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