Publication on Defense Attorneys and Guilty Plea Process
Jacqueline Lee, associate professor and interim research director in the School of Public Service, published a paper exploring how defense attorney characteristics influence the guilty plea process.
The study used artificial intelligence-generated attorney photos, which were shown to survey participants. They then rated the attorneys' appearance and quality through various measures.
Contrary to the researchers' initial expectations, Black and female attorneys were rated more highly than white and male attorneys.
- Participants rated Black and female attorneys more highly.
- Participants randomized to Black and female attorneys were more likely to accept a plea offer.
Author's summary: Jacqueline Lee explores defense attorney influence on guilty pleas.