Procedural Justice & Why people obey the law

Procedural justice

the manner in which people are treated by the courts, influences peoples evalutations of the court

what are the specific aspects of procedural justice that poeple seek

• voice

• neutrality

• respect

• trust

THE MANNER IN WHICH PEOPLE ARE TREATED BY THE COURTS INFLUENCES PEOPLE”S EVALUATIONS OF THE COURT

voice

people want to have an opportunity to tell their story in their own words before decisions are made

neutrality

transparency in how decisions are made, how rules are applied, want to know the basis of the decision

respect

people want their rights to be affirmed, people want to be viewed as important and valuable, people want to be treated with respect

trust

people want authorities to listen and consider their views, to be honest and open about the basis of action, and to act in interests of all parties

How does this affect policy?

courts can deliver unfavorable outcomes without losing legitimacy in the eyes of the public IF they ensure procedural justice

when will people obey the law?

people will obey the law if the law is seen as delivering procedural justice. Trust and confidence with authorities increases when people experience procedural justice, EVEN if they experience a negative outcome

• people accept losing more willingly if the court procedures used to handle thier cas eare fair