Judgment Heuristics

/ˈdʒʌdʒ·mənt hjuːˈrɪs·tɪks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used by judges or legal decision-makers to simplify complex legal determinations.
    Judgment heuristics can influence a judge's ruling by enabling quicker decisions under uncertainty.
  2. (n.) Cognitive mechanisms in legal contexts that often lead to systematic biases or errors during judicial or administrative decision-making.
    Understanding judgment heuristics is essential to mitigate bias in judicial proceedings.

Forms

  • judgment heuristics
  • judgment heuristic

Commentary

Judgment heuristics highlight the interplay between cognitive psychology and legal decision-making, important for assessing judicial impartiality and procedural fairness.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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