Effects of Process Control on Perceptions of Justice

There are two ways to look at the effects of process control on perceptions of justice. Originally, it was thought that people want an opportunity to express their opinions only because having a voice in the process improves the odds of achiev- ing a favorable ruling. In this view, process control is satisfying only because it increases decision control. However, research sug- gests that people value the chance to present their side of a story to an impartial decision maker even when they do not prevail in the ultimate outcome. In other words, process control is more than just an instrumental means to an end. When people believe that they have a voice in the proceedings, are treated with respect, and are judged by an impartial decision maker, process control can be an end in itself.

This aspect of the legal system is important because it makes the system appear fair and legitimate and fosters cooperation—which is why many social psychologists study people’s perceptions of justice. It means, for example, that regardless of whether people agree or dis- agree with how a case turns out, they can find solace in the fact that both sides had their “day in court,” at least when the decision maker is seen as impartial. Yet certain members of the legal community are openly critical of that so-called day in court. As law professor Alan Dershowitz once put it, “Nobody really wants justice. Winning is the only thing to most participants in the criminal justice sys- tem, just as it is to professional athletes” .