Personality Traits of Judges and Their Locus of Control in Issuing Judgments in Morality-Related Offenses
Keywords:
personality traits, judges, locus of control, neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, morality-related offensesAbstract
Understanding judges’ personality types and locus of control is not merely an auxiliary skill but constitutes a core component of strategic advocacy. Whether in family litigation, criminal proceedings, international disputes, or immigration cases, such alignment represents a key factor in the effectiveness of legal defense strategies. The present study was conducted with the aim of examining judges’ personality traits and locus of control in the issuance of judicial decisions. To this end, a sample of 300 judges was selected through simple random sampling and assessed with respect to the five major personality factors and locus of control. Data were collected using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Rotter Internal–External Locus of Control Scale. Data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Examination of relationships among variables through Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between personality traits and locus of control, and personality traits significantly predicted locus of control. The findings further indicated that locus of control had a positive and statistically significant correlation with neuroticism (r = .256, p < .01) and significant negative correlations with extraversion (p < .01), agreeableness (r = −.096, p < .01), openness/flexibility (r = −.204, p < .01), and conscientiousness (r = −.279, p < .01). Moreover, based on analysis of variance and regression statistical indices, the personality traits of neuroticism and responsibility (conscientiousness) showed a significant relationship with external locus of control, with the obtained F value indicating statistical significance. Approximately 10% of the variance related to external locus of control was explained by these two personality dimensions. Accordingly, it is recommended that judicial authorities pay greater attention to the relationship between employees’ personality characteristics and their locus of control, and that personnel assignment within judicial institutions be aligned with individual personality profiles.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Ahmadi, Ali Saffary, Seyed Mansor Mirsaeedi, Nourooz Kargari (Author)
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