In Batson v Kentucky (1986) the U.S Supreme Court held that attorneys are not allowed to make peremptory challenges based on race, however, research shows that prosecutors continue to strike Black venirepersons at a higher rate than White venirepersons (Rose, 1999, Sommers & Norton 2007). To date, we know little about the psychological processes involved in making racially biased jury selections. This project examines these processes using two studies. In one study, the co-principal investigator examines whether prosecuting attorneys make racially biased jury selections because of discrimination against Black venirepersons or, whether this is a trial strategy to remove pro-defense venirepersons. The second study examines whether stereotypes about the legal attitudes of Black venirepersons or expectations of in-group/out-group bias cause prosecuting attorneys to strike Black venirepersons more often than White venirepersons.
