title: An examination of stakeholder attitudes and understanding of therapeutic jurisprudence in a mental health court.
abstract: Mental health courts represent a key component of contemporary responses to mental illness and disability in the criminal justice system, and yet there is uncertainty about how these courts should balance their punishment and treatment roles. This paper reports an analysis of interviews with court professionals which considers their understanding of the rationale underpinning an Australian mental health court, its effectiveness in achieving its criminal justice and clinical goals, and of broader notions of therapeutic jurisprudence. This reveals considerable support for diversionary mental health court programs of this type and professional confidence that this type of program is effective. However, the analysis also highlights conflict in the practice frameworks of the different professional groups who regularly contribute to the operations of the court. Suggestions to enhance service delivery are offered.
authors.affiliation: Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Loraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. Electronic address: Andrew.day@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Day
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D019090:Case Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D032882:Comprehension; D000066479:Criminal Behavior; D003416:Criminal Law / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D000073038:Mental Health Recovery; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration; D013021:South Australia; D000073597:Stakeholder Participation / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Mental health and crime; Mental health court; Problem-solving court; Therapeutic jurisprudence