College - Author 1
College of Liberal Arts
Department - Author 1
Journalism Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Journalism
Date
4-2026
Primary Advisor
Tony Prado, College of Liberal Arts, Journalism Department
Abstract/Summary
This study examines how media framing influences juror bias among college-aged students when evaluating a defendant's guilt in a fictional criminal case. Utilizing framing theory, the research explores whether biased news coverage can shape perceptions of a defendant's guilt before trial.
Participants, consisting of students at California Polytechnic State University, aged 18-22, were asked to read two news articles about a fictional criminal case. One framed the fictional defendant as guilty, while the other framed him as innocent. Both articles were generated using the Artificial Intelligence Platform, Claude.
Data was collected in a survey where participants indicated whether they believed the defendant was guilty or not guilty. The findings aim to identify whether exposure to differently framed media significantly impacts perceptions of guilt. This research contributes to the currently available literature on how media narratives can impact bias for potential jurors.
The results of this study revealed a significant shift in participants’ perception of the defendant’s guilt immediately following the article they read. After reading the innocent-framed article, 93.9% of participants selected not guilty. After reading the guilty-framed article, 84.8% selected guilty. When asked for their final verdict, 78.8% of participants responded guilty.
These findings contribute to the currently available literature on the impact of media narratives on bias for potential jurors and highlights the need for greater awareness of the influence media framing can have on the criminal justice system. As media consumption among young people continues to grow, understanding how coverage shapes perceptions of guilt remains a critical issue to uphold the integrity of the American justice system.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/joursp/189