And legal actors affect the psychological health individuals involved
Therapeutic Jurisprudence
Introduction
In the criminal justice system, therapeutic jurisprudence has been applied primarily through the establishment of specialized courts that focus on rehabilitation. Drug courts, for example, provide an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings for individuals with substance use disorders. These courts offer a collaborative approach involving judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and treatment providers, aiming to address the root causes of criminal behavior (Hora, Schma, & Rosenthal, 1999). Research indicates that participants in drug courts are less likely to reoffend compared to those in traditional courts, highlighting the effectiveness of this TJ application (Mitchell et al., 2012). Moreover, TJ emphasizes the importance of respectful and empathetic interactions between legal professionals and defendants, which can enhance defendants' perceptions of fairness and their willingness to comply with court orders (Tyler, 2006). Therefore, TJ's principles are pivotal in transforming the criminal justice system into a more rehabilitative and less punitive institution.
Therapeutic Jurisprudence in Family Law and Mental Health Courts
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Mitchell, O., Wilson, D. B., Eggers, A., & MacKenzie, D. L. (2012). Drug courts’ effects on criminal offending for juveniles and adults. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 8(1), 1-87.
Wexler, D. B. (2000). Therapeutic jurisprudence: An overview. Thomas Jefferson Law Review, 22(1), 3-14.
Winick, B. J. (2003). Therapeutic jurisprudence and problem-solving courts. Fordham Urban Law Journal, 30(3), 1055-1103.