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Punishment as Communication: Transgressors’ Interpretation and Understanding of Punishment

Description du projet

Tester la théorie communicative de la punition

L’un des principaux objectifs de la punition est de faire comprendre aux fautifs que leurs actes sont condamnables. Les parents punissent leurs enfants lorsqu’ils se comportent mal et les tribunaux condamnent à la prison les criminels reconnus coupables. La punition n’aura pas l’effet escompté si les transgresseurs ne tiennent pas compte du message ainsi véhiculé ou ne le comprennent pas. Le projet PUNISH, financé par l’UE, examinera les types de messages que les transgresseurs reçoivent à travers la punition (pourquoi ils pensent être punis) et comment ils y réagissent. Par exemple, ont-ils des remords ou se sentent-ils maltraités? Le projet établira un cadre théorique (philosophie du droit, psychologie sociale et économie comportementale) et testera différentes hypothèses dans le cadre d’études contrôlées en laboratoire expérimental et dans un tribunal.

Objectif

Punishment is ubiquitous. We discipline children when they misbehave, and we demand even harsher sanctions for criminal offences. Punishment is thought to serve a communicative purpose: Through punishment, victims and third parties seek to send various “messages” to transgressors (e.g. condemning the wrongness of the act and imploring them to reform). But are these messages effectively delivered and understood by transgressors? And does the interpretation of a punitive message have the desired effects on the transgressor?

To answer these questions, this research examines (a) the types of messages transgressors receive through punishment (why they think they are being punished), and (b) transgressors’ reactions to them (e.g. perceived fairness, experienced remorse). Further, it explores (c) the features of a punitive message that influences how the message is interpreted by transgressors. The research will be built on a theoretical framework that integrates knowledge from three distinct fields: legal philosophy, social psychology, and behavioural economics. The specific hypotheses deducted from this framework will be tested in controlled experimental lab studies as well as in a court setting.

The insights from this research will be informative to all disciplines interested in criminal justice and punishment. First, this research will develop our theoretical understanding of punitive procedures and their effects. Second, it has important implications for how we should deliver punishment to enhance justice outcomes, whether in the context of formal legal proceedings or informal sanctions.

The quality of the research will be strengthened by access to exceptional research facilities and expertise at the host university, and interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars both within the university and beyond. Further, the expertise and methodological training acquired through the fellowship will significantly develop the researcher’s capacities and profile.

Coordinateur

LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 87 403,20
Adresse
GESCHWISTER SCHOLL PLATZ 1
80539 Muenchen
Allemagne

Voir sur la carte

Région
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liens
Coût total
€ 87 403,20