Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Michael Karson
Second Advisor
Shelly Smith-Acuna
Third Advisor
Elizabeth Sather
Keywords
Criminal sentencing, Moral matrices
Abstract
Criminal sentencing in the United States has shifted over the years. This paper outlines the current role morality plays in the sentencing and punishment of criminals. Recent work in moral psychology points the way to a better approach. Jonathan Haidt’s moral matrices, from his book The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion, provide a signpost for more efficacious treatment of those on parole or under community supervision, overall contributing to the reduction of recidivism. In sum, Haidt’s work in moral psychology could lead to fairer sentencing and more effective treatment.
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Extent
30 pgs
Recommended Citation
Horkott, Samantha, "The Elephant and the Felon: A Look at Criminal Sentencing and Treatment Through the Lens of Jonathan Haidt's Moral Matrices" (2020). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 381.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/381