Priya is on trial for an alleged charge of corporate fraud and embezzlement of £250,000 from a local community cooperative. She is 28 years old, British-Asian, described as highly attractive, and arrives at court wearing expensive designer business suits. Priya speaks with a very polished Received Pronunciation (RP) accent, commonly associated with high socio-economic status.
The trial is held in a crown court situated in a working-class post-industrial town in the north of England, which has suffered significant economic decline.
To what extent may Priya's characteristics affect the jury's decision-making in her trial?
You must make reference to the context in your answer.
120 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Content, covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.