A testable theory of problem solving courts: Avoiding past empirical and legal failures

A Systematic Review of Literature Relating to Problem-Solving Youth Courts

“…These investigations were all of interest but not necessarily linked through a coherent research strategy. Wiener et al (2010) suggested a therapeutic jurisprudence model of evaluation for problem-solving courts and suggested that this could be applied to future research to better understand court processes and outcomes. Wiener et al's model draws heavily on social cognitive psychology and indicates that as well as considering individual client attributes such as demographics, personality and other sociocognitive characteristics, research should turn its attention to how problem-solving court outcomes are influenced by the psychological states of offenders, for example, through offender motivation and emotional reactions.…”

“…Wiener et al's model draws heavily on social cognitive psychology and indicates that as well as considering individual client attributes such as demographics, personality and other sociocognitive characteristics, research should turn its attention to how problem-solving court outcomes are influenced by the psychological states of offenders, for example, through offender motivation and emotional reactions. Wiener et al (2010) also suggested that future research should focus on offenders' perceptions of justice and their beliefs about the legitimacy of the law, to see if these impact on problem-solving court success. For example, Wiener et al (2010) argued that defendants who consider court processes to be fair might be more likely to meet their demands than those who perceive that they have been treated unjustly.…”

“…Wiener et al (2010) also suggested that future research should focus on offenders' perceptions of justice and their beliefs about the legitimacy of the law, to see if these impact on problem-solving court success. For example, Wiener et al (2010) argued that defendants who consider court processes to be fair might be more likely to meet their demands than those who perceive that they have been treated unjustly. Consideration of such issues could paint a more detailed picture of the specific situations in which problem-solving courts achieve success.…”

“…Consideration of such issues could paint a more detailed picture of the specific situations in which problem-solving courts achieve success. Wiener et al (2010) suggested that similar issues for investigation by future research could include the impacts of voluntary or coerced participation in the court, whether offenders feel respected by the court, and whether the court reconnects them with the positive aspects of their lives.…”

“…As discussed, it is important that future research is conducted along clear methodological lines and uses an identifiable research model such as that suggested by Wiener et al (2010). In addition, adequate sample sizes, appropriate comparison groups and longitudinal investigation are essential to ensure robust findings.…”