CRIMINAL JUSTICE

As with most fears, “fear of the other” has fear of death at its base. In our diverse world, there are endless opportunities to categorize those who we perceive to be different as “other.” This dissociation and dehumanization is often done in an effort to diminish a perceived threat and to justify mistreatment towards a group of individuals. Not only does the creation of stigmatized others create injustice and power imbalances, it is a way for humans to deny their own vulnerability.  “As we have learned, only scapegoats can relieve one of his own stark death fear: ‘I am threatened with death—let us kill plentifully’” (Becker, 1973, p. 149). Nowhere is this process of othering more relevant than in the realm of criminal justice.

“As we have learned, only scapegoats can relieve one of his own stark death fear: ‘I am threatened with death—let us kill plentifully’”

Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death

In this newsletter, the EBF explores the various ways in which death denial, the creation of scapegoats, and our need for self-esteem affect criminal justice. Dr. Richard Harruff discusses our need to create meaning in the face of acts of violence—particularly in cases of atrocities committed against our loved ones. Dr. Henry Richards explains how psychopathology and violent crime can manifest as immortality projects, albeit dysfunctional ones. Dr. Tom Lifvendahl addresses how police officers must deal with constant death reminders, both subtle and blatant, and how these reminders can trigger misdirected defensive behavior. Dr. Jonathan Bassett’s research elaborates on why death reminders make people more antagonistic towards illegal immigrants. Finally, an expert on the subject of capital punishment, law professor Jeffrey Kirchmeier sheds light on  the ramifications of death anxiety and mortality reminders in the courtroom. The common thread is our human tendency to deny our mortality via the denigration, dehumanization, or even annihilation of those who are perceived as different. Whether this be police vs. civilian, law-abider vs. offender, “healthy” vs. mentally ill, or immigrant vs. citizen, the creation of an “us vs. them” mentality enables us to deny our common humanity that unites us all. Each interview concludes by discussing the potential for positive ways of coping with our mortality in the context of criminal justice issues, with an emphasis on developing a common humanity. We hope you enjoy reading about this important topic!