title: Intentional or Negligent Homicide? Evidence for Juror Decision Making.
abstract: The present study examined the influence of specific evidence and testimonies on a juror's decision to make a verdict of intentional or negligent homicide in a Civil law country. Italian students (N = 280; M age = 25.0 years, SD = 2.9) read different affidavits characterized by the presence or absence of three elements against the defendant: motive, skill in use of weapons, and previous violence toward the victim. Participants then decided a verdict and provided a confidence judgment on their decision. Results showed that the presence of motive, skill, and previous violence influenced the jurors' decision, significantly changing the verdict from negligent to intentional homicide. The findings were discussed in terms of the folk-concept approach of intentionality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy e.gambetti@unibo.it.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gambetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nori
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Fiorella
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giusberti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003416:Criminal Law; D057237:Criminals / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Decision making; attribution; intentionality