Researchers studying juries have found that the order in which arguments are presented can sway verdicts. In trials lasting many days, jurors tend to give extra weight to whichever side presented its closing argument; in shorter trials, the opening argument often dominates memory. The findings have prompted proposals to standardize trial procedures, though critics warn that any fix risks creating new biases of its own.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A
Jury verdicts are random.
- Bcheck_circle
Jurors are influenced by argument order in patterned ways, but proposed reforms could introduce new problems.
- C
Closing arguments are always more persuasive than opening ones.
- D
Trials should be shortened.
Explanation
The passage describes a robust pattern and the cautionary note about reforms — B. A and C oversimplify; D contradicts the text.