BA, Kent State University, 2019, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Sociology and Criminology

In this thesis, I describe research from multiple sources regarding juror bias and jury selection that requires the phrase “innocent until proven guilty” to be reexamined. Throughout this thesis, I examine juror bias in regards to social media and how information can easily be distributed to jury members that could harm the case, how jurors may be unaware of terminology and/or specific criminal justice topics and look to the Internet to teach them, and predispositions that they may have in terms of race, gender, sexuality. Next, I refer to issues with challenges during voir dire and how these challenges sometimes keep defendants from receiving a fair jury with their peers. I will discuss in detail how these challenges can negatively and positively affect cases. Lastly, I give policy and legislation recommendations to keep juror bias at bay, thus creating more fair and impartial trials for future defendants.

Committee: Michelle Foster (Advisor); Jessica Paull (Committee Member); Sarah Smiley (Committee Member); Rachael Blasiman (Committee Member) Subjects: Criminology; Law; Sociology