Evaluation of Attractiveness as a Factor Affecting EWT

Question 1

+ Efran (lighter penalties)

Answer 1

Efran found that good-looking criminals received lighter sentences or penalties unless their looks were involved with the crime (supports halo effect)

Question 2

+ Castellow

Answer 2

Castellow asked student participants to read a sexual harassment case with attached pictures of defendant and victim which were either attractive or unattractive. The students answered as to whether they believed the defendant was guilty of sexual harassment. An unattractive defendant produced higher guilty verdicts and an attractive victim produced higher guilty verdicts. Castellow also found no gender difference

Question 3

• Quigley (types of crime and gender)

Answer 3

Quigley found that the attractiveness effect is strongest with serious but non-fatal crimes such as burglary, and when females are being judged

Question 4

-/+ Steward (difference between affect on guilty verdicts and reduced sentences)

Answer 4

Stewart analysed the results of real-life juries in Pennsylvania. Stewart rated the facial attractiveness of the defendants and the verdicts of the case. It was found that there was no correlation between facial attractiveness and the perception of guilt, but there was a negative correlation between reduced sentences and facial attractiveness for both sexes