Doing Justice to Justice

Source: (2006) In Anthony J. W. Taylor, ed., Justice as a Basic Human Need. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Pp. 1-12.

“Although clinical, community, developmental, forensic, and social psychologists have been concerned for a long time with different aspects of justice — such as the acquisition of conscience, responsibility for unlawful behaviour, fair reward for labour, and the essential rules for the maintenance of communities — none previously has suggested that justice is so fundamental for safety and belonging as to be regarded as one of the basic needs for human development. The case is presented, the manifold concept of justice explored, human needs defined, and the argument advanced for justice to be brought firmly into mainstream psychology.” (excerpt)