DESCRIPTION
Previous research has shown that defendants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may receive more lenient treatment compared to those without a diagnosis. However, it remains uncertain whether autistic defendants experience this leniency in cases where their diagnosis is not relevant to the crime, as opposed to situations where it may serve as a plausible mitigating factor. Further, it is not yet clear how much knowledge about ASD by the judge can alter their judgement. Former research suggests that judges do not know how to use their knowledge when sentencing autistic individuals. To enhance the equitable treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the criminal justice system, it is essential for future research to examine how various framing styles influence legal decision-making in practical contexts.
(POSSIBLE) RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The precise focus of the project may also be influenced by the students interest. Exemplary research questions could be:
1. Do autistic individuals receive more lenient treatment in court and why?
2. How do various types of information about ASD influence sentencing behaviour?
3. How do various formats of presenting information about ASD influence sentencing decisions for defendants diagnosed with autism?
TYPE OF RESEARCH
Experimental, possibly online
KEY WORDS
Autism Spectrum Disorder, sentencing decision, punishment, type of crime
INFORMATION
This project is open to up to 1 student.
Please contact Steven Watson (s.j.watson@utwente.nl) when you are interested in this assignment.
LITERATURE
Allely, C. S., & Cooper, P. (2017). Jurors’ and judges’ evaluation of defendants with autism and the impact on sentencing: A systematic Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) review of autism spectrum disorder in the courtroom. Journal of law and medicine, 25(1).
Maras, K., Marshall, I., & Sands, C. (2019). Mock juror perceptions of credibility and culpability in an autistic defendant. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 49, 996-1010.