Sentencing architecture: building a decision-making matrix (Sentrix)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Sentrix project introduces a fresh perspective using choice architecture to tackle a complex issue in the justice system: understanding how sentencing decisions are made. It focuses on mapping the “sentencing environment,” which includes well-known factors like judicial discretion, and lesser-studied elements, such as procedural details and habitual practices. The goal of the project is therefore not to guide decisions, but rather to grasp the full scope of the sentencing landscape.

Existing research, workshops, courtroom observations, experiments and simulations will be used to build and test new models of how sentencing works. The project will unify fragmented research, employ innovative visualisation and simulation tools, and offer deeper insights into sentencing decisions, aiming to enhance transparency in sentencing and contribute to a fairer justice system.

The project is funded by the European Research Council under the ERC Starting Grants scheme.