4 ms·
If we accept that unconscious bias is a fact, the only real solution is to eliminate the possibility for unconscious bias. To fully do this, you'd need an envi
by candu 11y ago
If we accept that unconscious bias is a fact, the only real solution is to eliminate the possibility for unconscious bias.
To fully do this, you'd need an environment in which all parties are mutually identity-blind. Some kind of virtual courtroom where everyone assumes a "neutral" avatar and speaks through a synthesized voice (again, "neutral") might approximate this.
How would you get there from here? First, you'd need a prototype and substantial basic research - not within the criminal justice system - supporting up the hypothesis that this reduces bias. Next, you'd need to beef up security, accessibility, etc. before slogging through the procurement process. You'd then test it on a small handful of actual cases, thereby gathering data to support a wider rollout.
In the meantime: not sure. The very least we could do would be to make sure everyone involved receives some "unconscious bias training" (e.g. make it a mandatory part of court proceedings).
- jquery 11y agoPart of the point of jury-of-your-peers trials is so people can use their biases to make subjective decisions based on their life experience. The tone/inflection/appearance of the defendant plays into all of that. What you are suggesting would eliminate that. Why have juries at all, then?
- malka 11y agoYes. Why having easily manipulable group of people, instead of professional judges that are used to lawyers and criminal BS ?
- jquery 11y ago"Juries are often justified because they leaven the law with community norms." "Discussions among juries could lead to more thorough consideration of all aspects of the case." (see: 12 Angry Men) "Occasionally jurors find the law to be invalid or unfair, and on that basis acquit the defendant, regardless of the evidence presented that the defendant violated the law. This is commonly referred to as "jury nullification of law" or simply jury nullification." "It may be more difficult to corrupt 12 jurors than one or several judges." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury