The dock on trial: courtroom design and the presumption of innocence

Rossner, Meredith, Tait, David, McKimmie, Blake and Sarre, Rick (2017) The dock on trial: courtroom design and the presumption of innocence. Journal of Law and Society, 44 (3). 317 - 344. ISSN 0263-323X

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Abstract

This article examines the place of the criminal dock in courtroom design. Challenges to the use of the dock have been based upon the inability of the defendants to hear effectively, to communicate with counsel, to maintain their dignity, and to benefit from the presumption of innocence. Increasingly courts are incorporating secure docks, where defendants are partially or completely surrounded by glass (or in some countries, metal bars). To what extent do these changes and modifications undermine the right to the presumption of innocence? We present the results of an experimental mock jury study that was designed to test whether the placement of the accused influences jurors’ perceptions. We find that jurors are more likely to convict defendants when they are located in a traditional dock or a secure dock, compared to sitting next to their counsel at the bar table. We conclude by discussing the implications for trial procedures, counsel communications, and courtroom design.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14676478
Additional Information:	© 2017 The Authors
Divisions:	Law
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Date Deposited:	09 May 2017 15:37
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2024 07:26
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/76207

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