Research
My research sits at the intersection of social psychology and law. I draw from basic social psychological theories to understand people's experiences in the legal system, specifically when they are making different types of legal decisions (e.g., guilty pleas, Miranda waivers, verdicts) and interacting with different types of legal professionals (e.g., attorneys, judges, police). I use varied methodological approaches to conduct this research, including behavioral lab paradigms, national surveys, longitudinal interviewing, andarchival record reviews.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Plea Decisions
Defendants have a right to trial by jury. But data shows that the vast majority of them (95% or more) choose to plead guilty instead of taking their case to the jury. In my research, I explore the reasons why defendants plead guilty especially when they are innocent. Additionally, I explore the factors that affect whether they perceive their guilty pleas as voluntary or coerced by the various actors and influences in the legal system.
Incentivized Informants
“No practice is more ingrained in our criminal justice system than the practice of the government calling a witness who is an accessory to the crime for which the defendant is charged and having that witness testify under a plea bargain that promises him a reduced sentence" (United States v. Cervantes-Pacheco, 1987, p. 315). Yet, data shows that false testimony from informants is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions especially in capital cases. In my research, I explore the reasons why jurors are so compelled by this form of testimony and test safeguards against its misuse in courts.
Child Witnesses
Some cases rely heavily on evidence provided by child witnesses. In these cases, it is essential to ensure the accuracy of the information that children provide by using scientifically-informed interviewing tactics. I have conducted a number of studies to better understand how child forensic interviewers collect information from children, ranging from topics like pre-interview preparation to question formulation to record-keeping practices. Additionally, I explore how cases involving children lead to wrongful conviction and exoneration.
