Evaluation of Race as a Factor Affecting EWT

Question 1

+ Mitchell (meta-analysis - in-group and out-group)

Answer 1

Mitchell conducted a meta-analysis focusing on in-group and out-group prejudice. 34 studies showed that ppts were more likely to give a guilty verdict for defendants of a race different from their own compared to defendants of the same race (+ meta analysis means findings backed up by reliable research)

Question 2

+ Baldus (black vs. white defendants and white victim)

Answer 2

Baldus found that black defendants are given much longer sentences than white defendants when there is a white victim

Question 3

• Devine (mixed evidence)

Answer 3

Devine conducted a meta-analysis and found that evidence is mixed. Some studies show racial bias and others do not - suggests studies suggesting race as a factor are not consistent or reliable

Question 4

• Thomas (mock white jury with varying defendant race files)

Answer 4

Thomas conducted a study in England using 41 all-white juries and gave them an identical case where only the race of defendants and victims varied. All-white juries did not discriminate against BME defendants and were not more likely to convict a black or Asian defendant than a white one