NCJ Number
144362
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 79 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 48-51
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Although violence is more common in criminal courts, violence is increasing in domestic relations courts because of the emotionally charged atmosphere of marital breakups and child custody disputes.
Abstract
A study of violent incidents in State and local courts in 1989 and 1990 involving 77 counties in 29 States examined 243 incidents of court security violations. Most of these incidents occurred in criminal cases, but divorce cases came in second with 11 percent of the total. In all of the 243 incidents, 74 percent of the assailants were male. Primary reasons for the assaults were revenge and escape. In a survey of 385 Colorado women in Colorado granted protective orders, 17 percent were either verbally or physically assaulted in the courthouse by their former partners on the day the order was granted. It was found that many lawyers are not prepared to handle the highly charged emotional environment of divorce cases. Security is essential in domestic relations courts and should include metal detectors and hand scanners, as well as monitoring of hallways where defendants, litigants, judges, jurors, and witnesses mingle. Courtrooms should also have a "panic button" to summon help. Minnesota's Hennepin County has a 2-year pilot program called Divorce with Dignity. This program features active case management by the judge to encourage faster, cheaper, and less acrimonious divorce.