The use of psychological research by the judiciary: Do the courts adequately assess the validity of the research?

Abstract

The belief that a rational system of justice ought to incorporate within its decisions the knowledge and expertise of the social sciences has its roots in sociological jurisprudence.' This belief stresses the point that legal issues are imbedded in the social context and that the optimal resolution of social disputes by the legal system requires the decision maker to have an understanding of the social facts underlying the legal issues. If the judiciary ignores such facts, it may lose sight of the needs of the nation it seeks to serve.