discussion on role of problem-solving courts

The Function of Problem-Solving in Courts

The court has tried many tactics to finding solutions over the years. Problem-solving is a new technique that courts have adopted. Goldman (2013). This article will go through the function of problem-solving in courts in further detail, using publications and videos.

Robert F. Kennedy’s Impactful Speech

Robert F. Kennedy’s speech in Indiana in 1968 is widely regarded as one of the most impactful speeches of the twentieth century. It was delivered following Martin Luther King’s assassination. Robert encourages his people to use intelligence rather than discord and lawlessness in his discourse. Despite the difficulties, he supports the unity of the black and white communities. According to Robert, it is important for the American citizens to move beyond violence and to bring and to understand with compassion and love.

Human Rights and the Mental Health Cases Court

Judge Ginger Lerner pioneer of the mental health cases court argues that humanity and personhood are the main agenda and priority of the court. This court brings justice to those ill and in need of medical care but who for a long time have had to serve jail terms. In both videos, there is a problem that needs solving. In Robert’s, there is the tension of division and violence whereas, in Justice Ginger, there is human rights violation of the mentally ill. In both, wisdom and humanity is seen one of the ways of solving problems. Building a connection and understanding with the affected people. In both, the community plays a fundamental role in problem-solving.

The Primary Indicators of Problem-Solving Courts

In every system, there are the main factors that give guide to the end goal. Centre of court innovation was founded in 1996 by community court in partnership with New York Court System. In its article review, the problem-solving orientation, collaboration, and accountability are the primary indicators of problem-solving courts. Western B, Pettit, B Pew Economic Mobility Project & Public Safety Performance Project (2010). Problem-solving orientation focuses on the individual victim’s problems, treatment, outcomes, system change and direct engagement with the victim. Collaboration is the principle that highlights on the interdisciplinary collaboration of the victim and the stakeholders of the court system including judges, community members, and attorneys among others. There are four primary goals in this principle, and they include; participant, community, social service provider and justice system collaboration. Accountability, on the other hand, focuses on compliance by both the victims and by a court to the quality provision of service so as to improve track performance of the litigants.

Policies to Address Rising Prison Population

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of prisoners in the American jails. According to the Pew Center on States, one in every 100 adults and one in every 30 men between the age of 20-34 years has been confined in prison. Prison costs are also rising high, and the state budgets are extremely high. One of the reasons attributed to the rising numbers is not the increase in crime rate or population but rather stringent policies on lawbreakers and lengthy sentencing that keep the prisoners longer. Therefore, there is the need for change in policy choices. Policy makers should research on policies that focus on lowering the number of detainees, alternatives methods of rehabilitation and lower prison sentences. Some states are diversifying their options of sanctions by ensuring that the public is protected while reducing the costs of prisons. Community supervision, parole and probation and the introduction of mentally ill courts are some of the methods put in place. In Wiener & In Brank (2013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, besides the protection of the human rights of the mentally ill, problem-solving plays a role in reducing the increasing population of prisoners and the high cost of maintaining prisons. The community is also essential in the problem-solving process.

References

Goldman, I. G. (2013). Sick justice: Inside the American Gulag. Washington, D.C: Potomac Books.

In Wiener, R. L., & In Brank, E. M. (2013). Problem solving courts: Social science and legal perspectives.

Western, B., Pettit, B., Pew Economic Mobility Project., & Public Safety Performance Project. (2010). Collateral costs: Incarceration’s effect on economic mobility. Washington, DC: Pew Charitable Trusts.