Logan Ewanation
Research Associate
| Degrees: | B.A. Hons. (Psychology), King’s University College; M.A. Psychology, Carleton University; Ph.D. Psychology, Carleton University |
| Email: | logan.ewanation@carleton.ca |
Logan is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Legal Decision-Making Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Evelyn Maeder. He received his B.A. Honours specialization in psychology with a minor in criminology from King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario, and his M.A. and Ph.D. at Carleton University.
Research Interests: The role of racial bias in Canadian courtrooms; jurors’ perceptions of forensic evidence, such as DNA and fingerprint analysis.
Master’s Thesis: Aboriginal Canadians in the Courtroom: Effects of Defendant and Eyewitness Race on Juror Decision-Making in a Criminal Trial
Abstract:
Negative stereotypes, some concerning alcohol use, about Aboriginal Canadians
permeate Canadian society. This study explored whether racial bias affects jurors’
perceptions of Aboriginal Canadian eyewitnesses, particularly when the eyewitness was
intoxicated during the crime, as well as the effect of defendant race. Participants read a
trial transcript in which eyewitness intoxication and both eyewitness/defendant race
(Aboriginal Canadian/White) were manipulated, provided a verdict, and responded to a
series of questions about the eyewitness. Although sober witnesses were perceived more
favourably than intoxicated witnesses, intoxication had no effect on verdicts. Participants
rated Aboriginal eyewitnesses as more accurate than White eyewitnesses, with no
differences in credibility or deception. Finally, there was no effect of defendant race on
verdicts. Although this study failed to demonstrate a convincing effect of racial bias,
further work must be conducted in order to ensure that all citizens are subject to a fair
trial by an impartial jury.