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Simple English definitions for legal terms
confirmation bias
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A quick definition of confirmation bias:
Confirmation bias is when someone only looks for information that supports what they already believe, and ignores information that contradicts it. This can make it hard for them to change their mind, even if they are presented with evidence that proves them wrong. In a courtroom, this can be both helpful and challenging for lawyers trying to persuade a jury.
A more thorough explanation:
Confirmation bias is when someone only looks for information that supports what they already believe, and ignores information that contradicts it. This can lead to incorrect beliefs and decisions.
For example, imagine someone believes that all dogs are dangerous. They might only look for news stories about dog attacks and ignore stories about friendly dogs. This reinforces their belief that all dogs are dangerous, even though it's not true.
In a courtroom, confirmation bias can affect the jury's decision. If a lawyer presents evidence that supports their client's innocence, the jury might give it more weight than evidence that contradicts it. This can lead to an incorrect verdict.
Another example is when someone believes that a certain political party is always right. They might only watch news channels that support that party and ignore news channels that criticize it. This can lead to a narrow-minded view of politics and an inability to see other perspectives.
These examples illustrate how confirmation bias can lead to incorrect beliefs and decisions. It's important to be aware of this bias and actively seek out information that contradicts our beliefs to make more informed decisions.