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30 - The Communication of Risk to Legal Decision-Makers

from Part IV - Postconviction Phase Decisions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2024

By
Daniel A. Krauss  and
William Ellsworth
Edited by
Monica K. Miller ,
Logan A. Yelderman ,
Matthew T. Huss  and
Jason A. Cantone
Monica K. Miller
Affiliation:
University of Nevada, Reno
Logan A. Yelderman
Affiliation:
Prairie View A & M University, Texas
Matthew T. Huss
Affiliation:
Creighton University, Omaha
Jason A. Cantone
Affiliation:
George Mason University, Virginia
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Summary

Expert testimony concerning risk and its communication to the trier of fact and other legal actors has important implications for some of the most significant legal decisions, from pretrial detention to capital sentencing. Although considerable psycholegal research has focused on the process of risk assessment and management, a limited number of studies have examined how risk is communicated and interpreted by judges, juries, and other legal decision-makers as well as the public. This chapter examines the primary methods of risk communication and critiques their usefulness based upon the legal contexts in which they are most commonly offered. In particular, legal decisions based upon risk concerning pretrial release, sentencing determinations, and sexually violent predator (SVP) laws are highlighted to discuss more general issues with risk communication in the legal system. Suggestions for more effective and accurate presentation of risk are offered, as well as the practical and legal policy implications of adopting such practices.

Keywords

risk assessmentrisk communicationlegal decision-makingpolicylaw
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Legal Decision-Making , pp. 460 - 475
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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