Judicial Decision Making: Is Psychology Relevant? 1999 Edition Contributor(s): Wrightsman, Lawrence S. (Author) |
|
ISBN: 0306461544 ISBN-13: 9780306461545 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $104.49 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: July 1999 Annotation: This book examines decision making by appellate judges from a psychological viewpoint. The process of deciding a case, from the initial decision whether to grant certiorari to the final announcement of a decision, is analyzed using contemporary concepts from the field of psychology, especially social cognition theory. The impact of amicus briefs submitted to the courts by the American Psychological Association is evaluated. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Law Enforcement - Psychology | Social Psychology |
Dewey: 340.19 |
LCCN: 99015841 |
Series: Perspectives in Law & Psychology |
Physical Information: 0.98" H x 6.82" W x 8.64" (1.22 lbs) 258 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: In the mid-1970s, as a social psychologist dedicated to the application of knowl- edge, I welcomed our field's emerging interest in the legal system. I have al- ways been fascinated by jury trials-something about the idea that two con- ceptions of the truth were in irrevocable conflict and jurors could choose only one of them. More important, the criminal justice system is a major social force that has been ignored by social psychologists for most of the twentieth century. As I systematically began to explore the applications of social psycho- logical concepts to the law 20 years ago, I experienced the delight of discovery similar to that of a child under a Christmas tree. It has been satisfying to be among the cohort of researchers who have studied the legal system, especially trial juries, from a psychological perspective. I believe we have learned much that would be useful if the system were to be revised. Hlf the system were to be revised" . . . there's the rub. As I have stated, my original motivation was the application of knowledge. Like other social scien- tists, I believed-perhaps arrogantly-that the results of our research efforts could be used to make trial juries operate with more efficiency, accuracy, and satisfaction. Qver the last two decades, much knowledge has accumulated. How can we put this knowledge to work? Judges are the gatekeepers of the legal system. |