Well Excuse Me! - Remorse, Apology, and Criminal Sentencing

25 Pages Posted: 23 Jun 2006

See all articles by Jeffrie G. Murphy

Jeffrie G. Murphy

Arizona State University College of Law

Abstract

There is a growing body of literature on apology and law. Until recently, most of this literature has dealt with apology in private or civil law, but there is now a significant body of literature developing on apology in criminal law. Most of this literature is very positive about the potential legal role of apology and in this way extends into law a general cultural celebration of apology and other expressions of remorse - a celebration so pervasive that some have even referred to present day America as a "culture of apology." In this essay the author expresses considerable skepticism about our culture of apology and raises doubts about the general idea of integrating apology and remorse into criminal sentencing.

Keywords: Remorse, Apology, Criminal, Sentencing

Suggested Citation

Murphy, Jeffrie G., Well Excuse Me! - Remorse, Apology, and Criminal Sentencing. Arizona State Law Journal, Vol. 38, No. 2, Summer 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=910658

Jeffrie G. Murphy (Contact Author)

Arizona State University College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States
(480) 965-5856 (Phone)
(480) 965-2427 (Fax)

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