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Tort law decision-making: Psychological and legal perspectives

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter takes a psychological perspective on tort law decision-making, drawing on psychological theory, empirical research, and legal practices in tort litigation to assess the state of knowledge about decision-making in tort cases. It examines how plaintiffs decide to bring a lawsuit, how defendants respond, and the process of dispute resolution in tort cases. Most tort cases do not go to trial, but trial decisions remain significant as a framework for negotiations. The chapter also draws on psychological theory and research to describe how the judge and the jury as decision-makers resolve legal issues and reach liability verdicts and damage awards in tort cases. Psychological heuristics, biases, and other psychological phenomena affect decision-making in intentional tort, negligence, and strict liability cases, and judgments about liability and damages. The chapter closes with suggestions for further investigations of understudied topics in tort law decision-making.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Legal Decision-Making
EditorsMonica K Miller, Logan A Yelderman, Matthew T Huss, Jason A Cantone
PublisherCambridge University Press
Chapter37
Pages567-581
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9781009119375
ISBN (Print)9781009100601, 9781009108546
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 29 2024

Publication series

NameCambridge Handbooks in Psychology

Keywords

  • Damage awards
  • Dispute resolution
  • Foreseeability
  • Intentionality
  • Judge
  • Jury
  • Liability
  • Negligence
  • Reasonableness
  • Strict liability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • General Social Sciences

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