Individuals with disabilities face multiple barriers and vulnerabilities in society, including violent crime victimization at a rate nearly 2... Show moreIndividuals with disabilities face multiple barriers and vulnerabilities in society, including violent crime victimization at a rate nearly 2-3 higher than that of the general population. Despite these disproportionately higher rates of victimization, crimes committed against individuals with disabilities rarely result in criminal prosecution and conviction. One possible explanation for such a discrepancy is that jurors perceive individuals with disabilities as less credible witnesses than witnesses from the general population.The present study used a modified Credibility Comparisons Questionnaire to identify differences in potential juror perceptions of credibility between specific disability groups, including witnesses with intellectual disability and witnesses with deafness. Additionally, the study aimed to identify juror characteristics that may be associated with credibility perceptions. The survey was administered to 114 potential jurors recruited through SurveyMonkey Audience. The data were analyzed using a one-way within-subjects ANOVA and multiple regression analyses.The results of the study suggest that potential jurors may perceive witnesses with intellectual disability as less credible overall than witnesses with deafness and typical adult witnesses. Additionally, potential jurors may perceive witnesses with deafness as more accurate and less suggestible than witnesses with intellectual disability and typical adult witnesses. These findings highlight the important role rehabilitation psychologists may play in providing education to legal professionals and jurors regarding a witness’ abilities and limitations, as well as providing techniques to help witnesses compensate for specific deficits so that they are not precluded from testifying in court. Show less
