Your current location:HOME >sport >The Elle Woods effect: Good looking lawyers have more success in court, study finds 正文
TIME:2024-05-22 03:24:21 Source: Internet compilationEdit:sport
Whether it's Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones or Ally McBeal, plenty
Whether it's Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones or Ally McBeal, plenty of attractive lawyers have graced our TV screens.
But now, a study suggests that good looking lawyers really are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judges.
And this advantage applies for both men and women – and at all levels of experience – it found.
As part of his study, a researcher from the University of Illinois gathered data on more than 1,000 US court cases and found pictures and courtroom videos of the attorneys involved.
He then asked a group of participants to rate the lawyers on their level of attractiveness.
A study suggests that good looking lawyers really are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judges. Pictured: Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde
Analysis revealed that lawyers perceived as more attractive had enjoyed consistently higher success rates and were more likely to win cases outright.
The findings were consistent regardless of the race and gender of both the judges and lawyers – however, attractive female lawyers appeared to receive a slightly greater advantage, especially when arguing before male judges.
The researcher said the findings raise 'significant concerns' about the fairness of the justice system.
'I consider the main takeaway to be that 'judges are people too',' study author Nicholas Waterbury told PsyPost.
'When judges are overburdened with work they rely on some of the same mental shortcuts the rest of us use to make decisions.
'Researchers have shown in many settings that attractive individuals have advantages over less attractive counterparts.
this advantage applies for both men and women – and at all levels of experience – it found. Pictured: Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones
Analysis revealed that lawyers perceived as more attractive had enjoyed consistently higher success rates and were more likely to win cases outright. Pictured: Calista Flockhart as Ally McBeal
'This research suggests that when judges need to quickly evaluate an attorney's argument they extend the same attractiveness advantage as everyone else.'
The study, titled 'Justice Isn't Blind', was published in the Journal of Law and Courts.
It reads: 'In this analysis, I have shown that attorney attractiveness significantly increases the chances of attorney success.
'Voting on the basis of attractiveness does not constitute rational decision-making.
'Attractiveness is not supposed to influence the outcome of legal disputes.
'These findings raise serious normative concerns about equality and underscore the need to adjust traditional models of judicial behaviour to account for inherent biases.'
Jerry Seinfeld's stand2024-05-22 03:14
Updates: MP Efeso Collins dies during charity run2024-05-22 02:55
Updates: MP Efeso Collins dies during charity run2024-05-22 02:53
Bayer faces Australian test with judge to decide whether weedkiller caused cancer2024-05-22 02:32
Arrest Lord Mountbatten's self2024-05-22 02:27
'Very few grey areas': Greens urged to front on Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting allegations2024-05-22 02:07
More recovered possessions returned to victims of Wellington's Loafers Lodge fire2024-05-22 01:55
French PM Élisabeth Borne resigns ahead of expected reshuffle2024-05-22 01:27
Demi Moore, 61, says full2024-05-22 01:17
EDITORIAL: Nissan rebuke shows preying on suppliers still exists in Japan2024-05-22 00:59
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation2024-05-22 02:51
'An authentic, genuine, warm man': Flood of tributes for Fa'anānā Efeso Collins2024-05-22 02:25
NZ report card 2023: near the top of the class in some areas, bottom in others2024-05-22 02:22
Israel strikes on Rafah to cover hostage extraction kill 37 people2024-05-22 02:21
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine2024-05-22 02:13
Mining for local fertiliser better than buying 'blood phosphate'2024-05-22 02:06
Parliament repeals Fair Pay Agreements2024-05-22 00:58
Tim Macindoe confirmed as Hamilton's East ward councillor2024-05-22 00:52
Nuggets blow 202024-05-22 00:52
Finance Minister Nicola Willis attending Waitangi commemorations, Iwi Chairs Forum2024-05-22 00:49