Two John Jay Students Win Grants from the American Psychology-Law Society
Keri C. Burke ‘26 and Jessica L. Fagan ‘24 received grants from the American Psychology-Law Society Undergraduate Research Grants-in-Aid program, which supports empirical research addressing pressing psycholegal issues and is designed to help students contribute to national conversations in law and psychology. Both Burke and Fagan are mentored by Dr. Margaret Bull Kovera, presidential scholar and professor in the Department of Psychology.
Burke’s research project, "Case Strength Moderating the Effects of In-Court Identifications on Jury Decision Making," investigates whether case evidence strength moderates the influence of in-court identifications on juror decision-making. Using a mock trial paradigm, participants will view trials varying in both the presence of in-court identifications and the strength of case evidence. The research aims to determine whether in-court identifications have a greater influence on jurors when other evidence is ambiguous compared to when it is strong.
Fagan’s research project, "Cross-Examination: An Effective Safeguard Against Procedural Bias in Pre-Trial and In-Court Eyewitness Identification Procedures," examines whether cross-examination can effectively counteract the biasing effects of in-court identifications on jury decision-making. Using a mock trial paradigm, the research explores interactions between in-court identifications, pre-trial identification bias types and cross-examination approaches. Findings will directly inform defense strategies for challenging biased eyewitness evidence, particularly in cases involving in-court identifications.
