Making Sense of Chaos

The psychology of our chaotic legal world

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M.

Is Anxiety Legally a Workplace Disability?

An employee was recently awarded $450,000 after his employer threw him a birthday party against his wishes, and he suffered a panic attack. Is anxiety really a workplace disability?

Stop Lying to Juveniles During Police Interrogations

Deceptive police interrogation tactics—despite being lawful—can result in false confessions and wrongful convictions, particularly among juveniles.

Abolish the Jury?

As our polarized and media-driven society continues to evolve, we might question our vaunted jury system and instead consider "bench trials" like most other developed countries.

3 Crucial Discoveries About Purpose in Life

We all strive to find meaning and cultivate a sense of purpose. Important findings may show us the way.

How Adolescent Neuroscience Has Transformed the Law

Neuroscience has given us new insights into the adolescent brain. The legal system has taken notice, relying on neuroscience to outlaw the death penalty for adolescents.

Andrew Cuomo and the Myth of the Evil Perpetrator

The "Myth of the Evil Perpetrator" suggests that we are psychologically biased to think of sexual abusers as archetypes of evil. The insidious myth is both inaccurate and harmful.

Purpose in Life Increases Likelihood of COVID-19 Vaccination

As vaccine rates plummet, researchers are asking, "Why?" A new study finds that having a sense of purpose in life is directly related to COVID-19 vaccination willingness.

Air Pollution Reduces Trust In Others

We all know that air pollution is harmful to our health. But can it affect our psychology? A new study shows that pollution reduces our level of trust in others.

Why Kids Still Need to Learn Algebra

Is math really necessary? Some districts have started to do away with advanced math courses, but a new study suggests math is vital for developing brains.

New DNA Evidence Suggests Executed Man Was Innocent

Despite maintaining his innocence, Ledell Lee was executed in 2017 for a brutal murder. New DNA evidence from the murder weapon revealed the genetic material of a different man.

"I Saw It with My Own Eyes." But Did You Really?

Studies continue to show that eyewitness testimony can be completely unreliable. How do we fix it?

What Are the Charges Derek Chauvin Is Facing?

Many don't understand the specific charges Chauvin is facing. Surprisingly, psychology has influenced which charges have been brought against him.

Why Watching Holiday Gatherers Fall Ill Might Feel Good

No one is proud of it, but schadenfreude is a normal human emotion that some might be experiencing this holiday season as "social gatherers" fall ill with COVID-19.

NFL Losses Are Associated with Increased Domestic Violence

Your favorite football team losing can have surprising (and insidious) consequences.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Was a Dandelion

Ruth Bader Ginsburg embodied resilience. Psychologists would call her a dandelion.

When Is It Reasonable to Kill?

What is "reasonable" often depends on the pre-existing biases of the perceiver. This presents a legal dilemma for claims for self-defense.

The Bizarre Legal Loopholes Surrounding Spousal Rape

With rising domestic violence during COVID-19, archaic spousal rape laws should be critically examined.

Why the Increase in Domestic Violence During COVID-19?

We've heard COVID-19 has caused upticks in domestic violence. But why?

Struggling to Stay Afloat in Community College

Sixty percent of entering community college students are required to take remedial coursework prior to engaging in college-level study. Within this remedial group, the majority of students are dropping out or struggling to stay afloat. Greater attention must be paid towards the causes of these discouraging outcomes.

Having a Purpose in Life Increases Comfort with Diversity

It is estimated that by the year 2042, White Americans will no longer constitute the majority of the U.S. population. A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that White Americans who possess a sense of purpose in their lives are more comfortable with an increasingly diverse society.

Monsters in the Mirror: No Really, Literal Monsters

Various Halloween-related folklore has given us insights into the frightening potential of mirrors.

Purpose in Life Leads to a Longer Life: Now We Ask…Why?

Purpose in life has consistently been shown to be beneficial to health and longevity. Yet, researchers seldom ask... Why? What is the mechanism through which purpose positively effects our health?

The Pernicious Decline in Purpose in Life with Old Age

Purpose in life is often thought of as a product of adulthood, reserved only for experienced individuals well-versed in life's travels. Yet, consistent research shows us that the sense of purpose tends to sharply decline with increasing age. Why the decline in purpose? Researchers point to changes in social roles as the main culprit in diminished goals and aspirations.

Yes We Can! Yes We Can! But…What Are We Doing?

Consistent research shows that the sense of purpose in life tends to peak during the college years. If so, why do college students appear so stressed and uncertain about future goals and directions?