Risk for PTSD in jurors

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Period15 Apr 2025

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleHow to support Jurors at risk of PTSD
    Degree of recognitionRegional
    Media name/outletBBC television Newline
    Media typeTelevision
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date15/04/2025
    DescriptionPTSD has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 6–8% in the general population. Somes have suggested that jurors on criminal trials, who are exposed to disturbing evidence and emotional testimony for weeks, and sometimes months, may become vicariously traumatized. In a systematic review of 18 studies (Lonergan et al 2016) trauma-related symptoms were found in as many as 50% of jurors, which persisted for months in a minority of individuals. Factors related to deliberations, trial complexity, and graphic evidence were identified as consistent sources of stress. Female gender and history of prior trauma was associated with post-trial pathology
    PersonsMichael Duffy