The Sense of Justice : Biological Foundations of Law

An introduction to the social and behavioural foundations which create a form of equilibrium sought by legal systems, known as the "sense of justice". The text draws upon new discoveries and legal insights from the biologically-based behavioural sciences.

What does it mean to have a "sense of justice"? Why is clarity about the sense of justice a critical issue in contemporary legal theory? And, what contribution can be made by a naturalistic theory that is informed by research in the life sciences? The distinguished contributors to The Sense of Justice introduce scholars and advanced students to the social and behavioral foundations for the "sense of justice" -- a form of balance or equilibrium which both individuals and legal systems seek to achieve and maintain in a changing and complex world. With diverse disciplinary backgrounds, the contributors bring various viewpoints to bear on the prospect of a more coherent theory of human justice. The Sense of Justice draws upon new discoveries and insights from the biologically-based behavioral sciences that are critical for a more informed understanding of legal phenomena, especially those dealing with complex social and political relationships. Most appropriate for criminology, criminal justice, sociology, and political science professionals and students.