Defendant Remorse

Paper Summary:

This paper reports that the project used a shorted version of the case scenario than the Bornstein experiment and manipulated the variable of remorse in three different ways. The author points out that the research scenarios varied in that the defendant either (1) makes no mention of remorse, (2) expresses remorse at the time of death and at the trial or (3) denies feeling any remorse for the death of the patient. The paper relates that the subjects decided how much money to award the plaintiff and rated their perception of the defendant and the level of suffering of the plaintiff. The author confirms that denial of any remorse condition resulted in the largest amount of money awarded to the plaintiff and had the most negative effect on the jury's opinion of the defendant. The paper states that the participants did not differ significantly by gender. The paper includes several color graphs.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Bornstein Experiment
Research Experiment
Methods
Participants
Materials and Design
Procedure
Results
Condition of Remorse
Gender
Gender vs. Condition of Remorse
Discussion

From the Paper:

"Remorse can be an effective way to deal with mistakes made in everyday situations. The simple expression of an apology can alleviate tensions between the victim of a crime and the party responsible for the grievance. Apologies are a social function of Canadian and American culture. Apologies help individuals and society accept and deal with the consequences of mistakes. They are reinforced with approval and acceptance as people mature throughout their lives. Many of the mistakes made in everyday social interactions can be resolved with a simple apology from the responsible party."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bornstein, H., Rung, L. M., & Miller, M. K. (2002). The effects of defendant remorse on mock juror decisions in malpractice case. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 20, 393-409.

More papers on Defendant Remorse:

• Analytical Essay # 119646 : "Visual Arts & Dramatic Illusion in Coleridge's "Remorse"
• Analytical Essay # 34679 : " "The Painted House" and "Without Remorse"
• Comparison Essay # 65864 : "Without Remorse"

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