The study reported here examined the value of using jurors to help the justice system understand public opinion about sentencing and to inform the public on crime and sentencing issues.The disconnect between public opinion and reality in offending and sentencing is well understood, but jurors are members of the public with a more informed view of sentencing. The study reported here examined the value of using jurors to help the justice system understand public opinion about sentencing and to inform the public on crime and sentencing issues. While there is evidence that participation in a jury increases confidence in the criminal justice system, the study found that pre-existing perceptions about lenient sentencing may be difficult to change. However, surveying jurors is a recommended as an option for gauging informed public opinion about sentencing.

Written by Kate Warner, Julia Davis, Maggie Walter, Rebecca Bradfield and Rachel Vermey