The Psychological Role of Retribution in Justice-Related and Punitive Decision-Making

Abstract

Justice is the idea that fairness and moral righteousness is upheld in society. When individuals act in ways that contradict the rules or laws of society, they are punished by others so that society can achieve justice. However, justice is extremely subjective and varies between individuals. Based on their perception of these concepts, the way in which individuals and even societies punish also vary. 

This paper aims to explore the role of retribution--a significant pillar of justice--in the perception of justice and punishment.

Through critical evaluation of psychological studies on the issue and reference to secondary sources for supplemental information, this review concludes that retribution significantly guides justice-related and punitive decision-making. 

This is mainly because individuals rely on heuristic-based System 1 thinking, which is associated with retribution. Additionally, individuals are likely to have stronger emotional reactions in these situations, thereby allowing their amygdala to influence their decision-making with retribution. Finally, schemas play a significant role in one’s behavior. When individuals have seen examples of others being motivated by retribution to punish and attain justice, they learn and develop scripts for how to punish and attain justice based on retribution as well. 

Understanding the human psyche and personal motives for justice is important as the ideas that uphold justice can also encroach upon it. Through studying this topic more carefully, individuals can better understand and critically look at legal systems of justice and whether retribution truly helps achieve justice, or if it is simply a psychological reaction for vengeance.