Mock Juror Perceptions of a Young Defendant With Developmental Language Disorder: A Mixed‐Methods Study

What is already known on the subject It is well established that youth and young adult offenders have a high rate of undiagnosed developmental language disorder (DLD). However, very little is known about how juries may perceive defendants with DLD. One study of a nonviolent offence found that defendants with a disclosed diagnosis of DLD were viewed as more likeable and honest and less blameworthy and cognitively able, but there was no difference in guilty verdicts or sentencing dependent on DLD diagnosis disclosure. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study looks at mock jury perceptions of a defendant with DLD who is charged with a violent offence. We found that when mock jurors were informed of the defendant's DLD diagnosis, they rated the defendant not only as more credible (more likeable and honest) but also less culpable, with a reduction in guilty verdicts and reduced sentencing when the defendant was found guilty. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study indicates that it may be beneficial for defendants with DLD to have their diagnosis disclosed at trial. The results indicate this could lead to a better, more nuanced understanding of the defendant and the motivations and drivers behind their actions. Increased provision of SLT assessment and diagnosis of offenders might be useful in order to facilitate this disclosure at trial.