ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What insight does US v. Ortiz provide on jurors’ decision-making?

1. Jurors must ignore their personal experiences

2. Jurors can rely solely on the evidence presented

3. Jurors cannot separate common sense from judgment

4. Jurors should provide a definitive verdict based on legal precedent

The correct answer is: Jurors cannot separate common sense from judgment

The case US v. Ortiz illustrates the intrinsic challenge that jurors face in separating common sense from their judgment during a trial. Jurors often bring their personal experiences, biases, and observations into the courtroom, which can influence how they interpret the evidence. This phenomenon points to the fact that while jurors are instructed to base their decisions solely on the evidence presented and the law, their inherent reasoning and everyday knowledge inevitably intersect with their roles as fact-finders. Jurors’ interpretations of the evidence are frequently filtered through their understanding of what seems reasonable and plausible based on common sense, which can lead to subjective conclusions that diverge from strict legal analysis. This case emphasizes that jurors' backgrounds and life experiences inevitably shape their perspectives, making it challenging for them to compartmentalize those influences when delivering a verdict. It highlights the importance of jury instructions and the legal framework that jurors must navigate, but also acknowledges the human element of decision-making that cannot be wholly ignored.