NCJ Number
255785
Journal
American Behavioral Scientist Dated: 2020
Date Published
2020
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Since therapeutic jurisprudence as used in specialty courts has not received much attention in probation settings, the current study examined therapeutic jurisprudence in the context of a HOPE-based probation program called Swift and Certain probation.
Abstract
For just over 2 years, researchers observed status hearings and surveyed participants on their perceptions of the program. The study found that therapeutic jurisprudence was manifested in the judge's liberal use of praise during status hearings, which appeared to be an important part of participants' positive perceptions of the judge and of procedural justice generally. It was also manifested less directly in interactions and relationships participants had with their probation officers. This article concludes with suggestions for the implementation of therapeutic justice practices in Swift and Certain and similar probation programs. 36 references (publisher abstract modified)