Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Jurors on trial: Lawyers using the internet to research prospective jurors

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thesis
posted on 2021-11-14, 01:32 authored by O'Hagan, Lydia

This paper examines a practice underpinning the exercise of the peremptory right whereby lawyers use the internet to research prospective jurors with a view to challenge. Although it is unclear how common the practice is in New Zealand, the increasing availability of personal information online means that lawyers have a plethora of personal information about prospective jurors at their fingertips. Currently peremptory challenges are exercised in a discriminatory fashion on the basis of broad stereotypes. It is argued that pretrial research by lawyers on prospective jurors could secure a more impartial jury by providing a mechanism for uncovering attitudinal biases or predispositions of prospective jurors, meaning they will be exercised on the basis of stereotypes alone less often. Pretrial research by lawyers could also remedy the disparity of resources between prosecution and defence by providing an independent vehicle for obtaining information. This paper discusses the benefits of pretrial research of prospective jurors and argues that any drawbacks are limited. Potential guidelines for lawyers conducting pretrial research around the collection, use, retention and disclosure of information are proposed before concluding. This paper concludes that pretrial research of prospective jurors serves to protect, rather than undermine, the fundamental right of all parties to a fair trial.

History

Copyright Date

2013-01-01

Date of Award

2014-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Name

LL.B. (Honours)

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

940499 Justice and the Law not elsewhere classified

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Research Paper or Project

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Law

Advisors

Tinsley, Yvette