Open AccessThe Compassionate Judge (2007) Vol 1 Art 7
Author(s) -
Costa Avgoustinos
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
public space the journal of law and social justice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1835-0550
DOI - 10.5130/psjlsj.v1i1.540
Subject(s) - compassion , openness to experience , transparency (behavior) , psychology , criticism , social psychology , political science , law and economics , law , sociology
‘Out of touch’ dispassionate decisions often invite public outcry, but the weak ‘too lenient’ judge is also open to criticism. In this paper I examine the role which compassion plays in legal judgment, how compassion is exercised and the limits of compassion. I argue that not only does compassion have a role to play in legal judgment but that, to the extent that judges exercise compassion, compassion enhances the openness and transparency of the law.
Accelerating Research
Robert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom
Address
John Eccles HouseRobert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom