News Archive

Researchers investigate jury behaviour – University of Reading

University researchers are to stage mock court cases to find out more about how juries make decisions during rape trials. Staff from the University of Reading's School of Law need volunteers from the local area to come forward to sit on the juries during the mock trials or to participate in focus groups. Dr Emily Finch is conducting the study with Dr Vanessa Munro, of St Hilda’s College at Oxford University. Dr Finch said: ’The research has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and has been awarded full ethical approval. ’In order to carry out the research we must recruit approximately 250 volunteers to participate in focus groups and sit on juries in mock trials.’ Volunteers will receive £25 plus travel expenses for approximately three hours if sitting on a mock jury, and £10 plus travel expenses for one hour if participating in a focus group. Focus groups will take place in January 2004 and the mock trials will occur in March and April 2004. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Kathryn Holdsworth on (0118) 378 5643 or e-mail: k.holdsworth@reading.ac.uk end