TRUE crime buffs will have the unique opportunity to take part in a mock murder trial next month.
Glasgow Caledonian University and The Open University in Scotland have joined forces to allow people to become jurors for a day, and decide whether the accused is innocent or guilty.
The high-profile Glasgow Science Festival event, Conviction or Acquittal: The Science of Jury Decision Making, will be hosted by Glasgow Caledonian applied psychology lecturer Dr Lee John Curley and the OU’s Dr Hayley Ness, a senior lecturer in psychology.
Dr Curley and Dr Ness, experts in forensic psychology, will delve into the research on how jurors process evidence, biases in decision-making, and what this means for justice.
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The audience will take part in a mock murder trial, stepping into the shoes of jurors to deliberate on a case, based on a real trial from the early 20th century.
Following the verdict, a panel of experts will discuss key themes and challenges in jury trials and take audience questions.
Dr Curley said: “This is a great opportunity to experience being a juror and to see how researchers study your decision making and what the legal perspectives are.”
Derek Goldman, the senior knowledge exchange manager at The Open University in Scotland, said: “Hold the scales of justice in your own hands, as you reach a verdict, and get to grips with the complexities of jury decision making. If you’re interested in the justice system in Scotland, this event is not to be missed.”
The free event will take place on Monday, June 9, from 7pm until 9pm at Glasgow Caledonian’s Centre for Executive Education (CEE) Room 2 and is open to anyone over 18.
The Glasgow Science Festival has launched its biggest-ever programme of events as part of the city’s ongoing celebrations of its 850th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, Glasgow Science Festival will run from June 5 to 15 with the theme Glasgow Celebrates.