Social Psychologists look at the effects of society on human behavior. Social psychologists in the legal field consult with attorneys, courts, and agencies on such issues as witness credibility, jury selection, and decision making influences. When social psychologists look at the dynamics of a jury, they look at how the jurors relate to each other in their decision making process. They also look at many aspects of the courtroom itself to determine what factors may cause jurors to return a certain verdict. Also, they may study what social factors influence decisions made by a judge, why certain criminals accept plea bargains, and what litigants' beliefs about the justness of the legal system are. Furthermore, social psychologists may investigate memory ability and how outside factors such as fear and distraction affect eyewitness memory at a crime scene.
Social psychologists in this area are mostly employed by colleges and universities and are conducting research. They may also work as trial consultants. At times, social psychologists work with the legal system in policy formation and analysis. They may be asked to offer their expert opinions.
For more information on social psychology and its relationship to the law, here are some Internet links:
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