In recent years, research interest has increased both in the needs of punishment by the public and in the psychological processes underlying decisions on sentencing. This comprehensive look at the social psychology of punishment focuses on recent advances, and presents new findings based on the authors' own empirical research. Chapters explore the application of social psychology and social cognitive theories to decision making in the context of punishments by judges and the punitiveness of laymen. The book also highlights the different legal systems in the UK, US and Europe, discussing how attitudes to punishment can change in the context of cultural and social development.
Margit Oswald is Professor of Psychology at the University of Berne, Switzerland. She has published numerous book chapters and journal articles and was Editor of the Swiss Journal of Psychology.
Steffen Bieneck is based in the Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Germany.
Jörg Hupfeld-Heinemann is based at the Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
