Editorial: Constructing objectivity: emotions in legal decision-making

The field of Law and Emotion originated in discussions that disputed the bifurcation of emotion and law and inspired, among other topics, socio-legal research on the dynamics and social dimensions of court work. The field has grown exponentially in diverse disciplines such as sociology, law, anthropology, criminology, and philosophy. This Research Topic originated from a symposium outside of Stockholm, Sweden, during September 2023. The symposium was part of the dissemination of the European Research Council project JustEmotions. It gathered prominent and promising scholars with expertise in different legal systems with the overall aim of engaging in stimulating cross-cultural discussions on empirical research in and around courts. As a result of these discussions, we have put together a Research Topic of empirical studies within the field of law and emotion, with contributions from Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden.

At the core of legal decision-making lies the fundamental principles of objectivity, impartiality, and independence. The Research Topic, Constructing Objectivity—Emotions in Legal Decision-making, addresses the dialectical processes of translating these principles into everyday judicial practice across a wide range of legal systems...