Attorney's viewpoints of the importance of defendant appearance and demeanor in a jury trial : honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if attorneys believe that a defendant's appearance and or demeanor may be important in a jury trial. Subjects were interviewed about their opinions and actions in reference to appearance and demeanor. Results confirmed that most attorneys surveyed believe that defendant appearance and demeanor are important. Specific actions to minipulate these traits on the part of the attorney vary on an individual basis.