Studies Show That a Judge's Instruction to Ignore Certain Information

question 11

Multiple Choice

Studies show that a judge's instruction to ignore certain information as inadmissible evidence may often lead to the opposite: the effect of this information on the jurors is amplified. The text mentions all of the following explanations as possible reasons for this effect, EXCEPT:

• A) When people make an effort to disregard something, it ironically dominates their thoughts.
• B) Jurors may see the judge's instruction as impinging on their freedom to make decisions.
• C) Whether jurors give weight to the evidence depends on their knowledge of the defendant.
• D) If jurors consider the information useful in reaching the verdict, they will use it.

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Definitions:

Substance Abuse

The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.

Terminal Illness

A disease or condition that cannot be cured and is expected to lead to the death of the patient within a short period of time.

Suicidal Act

A deliberate action with the intention to cause one's own death.

Model

A set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain and interpret observations. Also called a paradigm.