Self Serving Bias In Criminal Justice

Self-serving bias refers to individual tendency to attribute positive outcomes to personal factors, but attribute negative outcomes to external factors. In Schall V. Martin, Justice Thurgood Marshall pointed out that even though judges strive to apply the law, it still “gives rise to a level of inequality because they use standards they deem appropriate.” The state has power and responsibility to protect children but also has the duty to protect the public and is usually guided by public opinion. The media has already swayed the public to demonize young black males as seen by the countless stories of the demonization of young black males. While the courts seemingly set out to give the appearance of positivity to the best interest of the public