Legal Trends Network

During the 1990s it became apparent that the needs certain types of offenders where not being met by traditional courts. Problem Solving Courts were developed to address cases involving drug abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and other related issues in a manner that benefits the victim, society, and the offender. While the issues handled by these courts may vary, some common elements exist within the Problem Solving Court methodology. The similarities begin at the screening and assessment process. In all Problem Solving Courts attempts are made to identify candidates at an early stage in the criminal justice process and a similar screening process is used to determine which of these offenders would benefit from this method. Another unifying trait of these courts is their focus on collaboration between the legal community and external parties such as mental health providers and rehabilitation facilities in order to achieve a positive outcome for the offender and others involved. In the long run Problem Solving Courts have the ability to effect change in social systems by reforming how the government reacts and responds to the problems handed by these courts.

Problem Solving Court models are still being developed and fine tuned, however the early results have been largely positive. Studies have shown that these new court models have positively impacted the well-being of offenders and victims and in certain cases have cut the costs associated with incarceration.

Additional resources:

• Therapeutic Jurisprudence
• Restorative Justice
• Criminal and Prison Reform
• Creative Problem Solving
• Peacemaking
• Juvenile Justice
• Technology and the Courts
• Death Penalty Debate.

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