Rechtvaardigheid in alarmerende omstandigheden

Abstract

In this paper, I propose an alarm-system model of the justice judgment process. Specifically, I argue that the process by which justice judgments are formed may be influenced reliably by the activation of psychological systems that people use to detect and handle alarming situations. Building on this analysis, I predict that if this line of reasoning is true then presenting (vs. not presenting) alarm-related stimuli to people should lead to more extreme judgments about subsequent justice-related events than not presenting these alarming stimuli. Findings from different studies are reviewed that support this prediction. In particular, the findings indicate that after the presentation of alarming stimuli, people are strongly influenced by fair (as opposed to unfair) events, suggesting that under alarming conditions people are in need for fair treatment. In closing, I discuss the implications the model may have for both scientists and practitioners interested in the justice judgment process.