NCJ Number
26020
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 66 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1975) Pages: 150-164
Date Published
1975
Length
15 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF CURRENT LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD INCLUSION OF YOUNG ADULTS ON JURIES WHICH ALSO EVALUATES THE IMPACT OF THOSE ATTITUDES ON THE CRIMINAL DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO AN IMPARTIAL JURY.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT UNDER-REPRESENTATION OR TOTAL EXCLUSION OF YOUNG ADULTS CONSTITUTES A POTENTIAL THREAT TO THE SIXTH AMENDMENT GUARANTEE OF JURY IMPARTIALITY. THE FACT THAT A YOUNG DEFENDANT MAY FIND HIMSELF CONFRONTED BY A PANEL OF JURORS WHOSE VALUES, ATTITUDES, EXPERIENCES, AND AGES DIFFER GREATLY FROM HIS POSES A SERIOUS PROBLEM. TO ALLEVIATE THE POSSIBILITY OF BIAS AGAINST YOUNG DEFENDANTS, JURY SELECTION PROCESSES SHOULD INCLUDE IN THE PANEL PERSONS OF AGES CLOSER TO THOSE OF YOUNG DEFENDANTS. THE AUTHOR ALSO FEELS THAT INCLUSION OF EIGHTEEN TO TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLDS WOULD NOT ONLY INCREASE THE PROBABILITY OF A TRULY IMPARTIAL JURY SYSTEM, BUT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE A DEEPER RESPECT FOR THE CONCEPTS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, PARTICULARLY BY YOUNG ADULTS, WHO ARE COMPRISING AN INCREASING PORTION OF THE POPULATION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)