What factors do jurors consider when evaluating the credibility of witnesses? How do jurors understand and account for common trauma responses such as freezing, befriending, anger, dissociation, lack of visible distress, and cognitive impacts on memory and coherence during their deliberations?

Background

The Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice aims to establish an effective, modern person-centred and trauma-informed approach to justice in which everyone can have trust, including as victims, those accused of crimes and as individuals in civil disputes. As such, Justice Analytical Services have identified the theme of ‘Justice Processes & Experiences’ as a research priority. Robust research on justice processes, the experiences of complainers and the accused as well as the functioning of juries will inform work towards this aim.