Verdicts of Juries in Sexual Offenses Trials in Jamaica: an Analysis / Study of the Sex Distribution of Jurors in Sexual Offense Trials and Their Decisions

Many persons have expressed alarm and surprise at the acquittals of alleged sexual offenders by juries in Jamaica. Women are the main victims of sexual offenses. Their confidence in the system of trial by jury is critical. Some observers assert that men on the jury in sexual cases are biased against women because men are the perpetrators of such offenses. Others counter that it is the women on the jury who acquit men of sexual offenses. These assertions are mainly based on anecdotal experiences. Therefore this study conducted an empirical examination of several jury trials of sexual offenses in Jamaica. Its purpose was to test the validity of these assertions and to ascertain if there is any systemic gender bias in sexual trials. It is the first such study in Jamaica and in the Caribbean. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends strategies for solving this socio-legal problem in Jamaica. Victims, social workers, counselors, lawyers, judges, womens activist and the media can obtain useful insights about some socio-legal issues in the Jamaican and Caribbean society.