By Christopher M. Bellas

This Article features the many factors that influence jurors' decision making in trials involving police use of excessive force. First, there is a discussion of what exactly police use of force is and how much exists. Second, there is a review of the relevant case law regarding police use of force that focuses primarily on the doctrine of qualified immunity (a code that affords police protection from being sued, most often under 18 U.S.C. § 1983). Third, in those rare police use of excessive force trials, the final decision regarding the liability of the defendant most often rests with a jury. Because the Sixth and Seventh Amendments to the U.S. Constitution states one is to be tried by a jury of one's peers, which comes from the community, I investigate the importance of community relations with the criminal justice system, in particular policing, and how these relationships shape a potential jury pool. Finally, I assess the psychology behind juror decision making and its impact in police use of force trials regarding the psychological schema already impressed on jurors prior to rendering verdicts or that could color or negate their interpretation of the evidence presented at trial.

73(3) Case W. Rsrv. L. Rev. 895 (2023)