Jurors' Perceptions of an Elderly Eyewitness: Effects of Geriatric Diagnosis, Level of Care and Age

Mock jurors’ perceptions of older adult eyewitnesses was assessed by testing how age, geriatric diagnosis, and level of care influences decision making. Mock jurors (N=355) were asked to read a trial transcript that varied age of eyewitness: 45 years, vs. 65 years, vs. 85 years; Level of care: home vs. long-term care facility; and Geriatric disease: none, vs. early stage dementia. Mock jurors then rendered a verdict, provided ratings of the eyewitness, and completed a measure of stereotypes. Although no direct effect on verdict was found, verdict confidence was influenced in a statistically significant way by the presence of a geriatric diagnosis. Subscribing to negative stereotypes of older adults was found to be related to higher ratings of senility. The findings indicated that mock jurors are influenced by geriatric diagnosis, as it negatively impacts their confidence in their verdict. Limitations and future directions will be discussed.