NOTE: The venue for this talk was changed after the original news release was distributed/posted. This item reflects that change.
KEARNEY – “The Science of Jurors and Juries” is the topic of a Science Café presentation at 5 p.m. on Sept. 16 at 142 Copeland Hall on UNK’s campus.
The presentation is one in a series sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Kearney Chapter of Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society. The event is free and open to the public.
William Douglas Woody, professor of psychological sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, will give the presentation.
“We will discuss situations in which jurors use guidelines in legally appropriate ways as well as situations in which jurors disregard legal expectations,” Woody said. “We will also connect experimental and field research to outcomes in actual cases.”
Woody, who specializes in the history of psychology, psychology and the law, jealousy and revenge, will explore how jurors and juries use their pre-existing views, common sense and a large collection of legally relevant and legally irrelevant details to reach decisions.
He also will discuss ways jurors follow legal procedures as well as situations in which jurors struggle to do so.
“I hope that this presentation will shed additional light on the legal system,” Woody said. “Additionally, I hope that this presentation will interest those who are involved in the legal systems as well as the general public who expect fairness in court decisions.”
In 2008 Woody published “A history of psychology: Ideas and context.” He has also contributed to many books, research journals and other publications.
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