Matthew J. Dolliver

Explores why jury service often results in more positive views of courts, focusing on jurors in criminal cases. Findings reveal that deliberating on a case, juror satisfaction, and attitudes toward law and justice collectively enhance trust in courts, suggesting policies to further engage community members in the judicial process.

Examines whether jurors' initial beliefs in the fairness of the jury system influence their perceptions of trial evidence. Finds that those with stronger initial beliefs in jury fairness are more likely to favor the defense, suggesting policy implications for methods used to improve juror appearance rates.

Examines how gender affects the time to post bail in a rural southeastern U.S. jail. Finds that women, facing greater socioeconomic challenges, take significantly longer than men to post bail, even when controlling for factors like bail amount, age, and race.

Explores the link between past victimization, perceived risk of future victimization, and support for criminal justice policies. Findings show that a history of victimization and perceived risk increase support for punitive and self-protective policies like stand your ground, open carry, three strikes, and the death penalty.

Examines the impact of jury service on individuals' views of the jury system. Results show that jury service enhances belief in the fairness of the jury system, with positive attitude changes observed for both white and nonwhite jurors, regardless of racial group membership.

Explores how consuming crime-related media affects people's fear of crime and their support for criminal justice policies. Findings indicate that higher media consumption relating to crime heightens fear of crime, which in turn increases support for policies like three-strikes laws, the death penalty, stand your ground laws, and open carry laws.