Book Review: Kieso, D. W. (2005). Unjust Sentencing and the California Three Strikes Law. New York: LFB Scholarly, pp. 294

• Author: Elsa Y. Chen
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016807310658
• Published date: 01 December 2007
• Date: 01 December 2007
• Subject Matter: Articles

Book Review(s)
459
that, if followed, will increase the usefulness of jury consulting. For instance, collaborations
between consultants and academics will help develop theory-based research that will strengthen
the effects of jury selection.
In addition to the systematic presentation of the psychological literature, the book also
demonstrates the authors’ thorough knowledge of the legal system. A solid understanding
of the law allows the authors to offer advice that an author without a law background could
not easily provide. For instance, there is discussion about how the legal procedure can
affect jury consulting. Some jurisdictions allow lawyers to question potential jurors,
whereas others only allow the judge to do so. Similarly, jurisdictions vary as to whether the
voir dire (i.e., jury selection) is restricted or expanded. These differences are important
considerations that affect the ability of consultants to effectively pick a jury. These examples
illustrate the importance of having knowledge of social science and the law. Lieberman and
Sales have knowledge in both areas and communicate this expertise in a manner that is
understandable to readers with no formal training in these disciplines. Except for occasional
unavoidable and minor overlap in the presentation of the results of past studies, the book is
well organized. Overall, it is an easy and enjoyable read.
Although jury consulting has been in existence for years, only recently has enough
research become available that allows for the evaluation of its usefulness in the real world.
This timely book expands on the existing literature by providing a one-stop guide to jury
selection and critiquing relative strengths of the social science research.
In sum, Lieberman and Sales offer compelling reasons as to why lawyers need trained
jury consultants yet still present the realistic limitations of the science. It is a must read for
anyone interested in the intersection of social science and the trial process.
...