Research Symposium Program - Individual Details
5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Tyler Zheng He/Him
BIO
My name is Tyler Zheng. I am currently a junior, dual-enrolled at The Collegiate School at Florida State University Panama City. I am on track to finish my AA before I finish graduate high school. I am looking forward to pursuing the legal field in the future and attending law school. I am still undecided on what type of law I want to go after but I know that is a path I want to go down. I'm heavily involved with extracurriculars inside and outside of school like piano, working out, running, teen court, SGA at TCS, etc.
Psychological Influence in the Courtroom: How Attorneys Shape Jury Decision-Making
Authors: Tyler Zheng, Madisyn FlammiaStudent Major: Dual Enrolled; Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Mentor: Madisyn Flammia
Mentor's Department: Research Mentor's College: The Collegiate School Co-Presenters:
Abstract
Litigators and attorneys often use psychological methods, consciously or unconsciously, to influence juries and judges, which can affect court rulings. Psychology plays a major role in the courtroom, and its impact varies based on how it is applied. Factors such as speech, tone, confidence, and emotional appeal can influence whether the court sides with an attorney. Jury demographics and individual perceptions are also important considerations. Beyond speech, attorneys and defendants influence the courtroom through appearance, professionalism, and etiquette, all of which can shape how they are perceived. The primary focus of this paper is to identify the psychological techniques used in the courtroom and examine how significantly they affect juror decision-making. By understanding these methods, both professionals and everyday individuals may apply similar strategies in other settings to subtly influence outcomes. This literature review will look at research from psyschology and law to understand how psychology works in the courtroom. Studies shows that jurors do not rely solely on facts but are also influenced by a multitude of other psychological factors. By reviewing and combining these studies, this paper aims to evaluate how much court room decisions are shaped by psychological factors rather than just evidence and legality.
Keywords: law psychology influence