Expanding Therapeutic Jurisprudence Across the Federal Judiciary

Area of Science:

• Criminal Justice
• Mental Health Law
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Existing problem-solving courts divert individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders from the criminal justice system.
• Therapeutic jurisprudence offers a framework to maximize health benefits of legal policies and practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• Advocate for broader implementation of problem-solving courts, especially at the federal level.
• Expand access to rehabilitation and diversion programs for federal offenders with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Main Methods:

• This study presents a call to action based on existing literature and legal principles.
• It analyzes the potential benefits of applying therapeutic jurisprudence to federal problem-solving courts.

Main Results:

• Expanding federal problem-solving courts can improve outcomes for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• This expansion signifies judicial acknowledgment of deficiencies in federal inmate mental health care.

Conclusions:

• Broader implementation of federal problem-solving courts is essential for effective rehabilitation and diversion.
• Adopting therapeutic jurisprudence principles can lead to evidence-based interventions and improved mental health care within the federal justice system.