Balancing Act: The Adaptation of Traditional Judicial Roles in Reentry Court

Abstract

While research has confirmed their role adaptation and importance in reducing recidivism in drug courts, little research has documented the role of the judge in reentry courts. Based on interviews with participants and the workgroup, court observations, and a document analysis, this study revealed that judges in a federal reentry court program balance informal, supportive relationships with participants with more traditional, authoritative, disciplinarian roles. The implications of this balancing act for participants' perceptions and other reentry court programs are also discussed.

A Preliminary Evaluation of the Supervision With Immediate Enforcement Probation Program for Adult Gang–Affiliated Offenders in Texas

“…Individualized treatment such as counseling, substance use treatment, and various self-help groups are common provisions given to offenders served through problem-solving courts and can improve long-term outcomes (Rossman et al, 2011). Judicial oversight of cases in problem-solving courts demonstrates judicial interaction can facilitate reduction in recidivism risk (Gottfredson, Kearley, Najaka, & Rocha, 2007; Taylor, 2012). These findings highlight the necessity of individualized treatments and modes of delivery to best ensure participation, successful completion, and, ultimately, better long-term outcomes for offenders sanctioned by the criminal justice system.…”

An Integrated Theory of Specialized Court Programs

“…We focused on prior research that directly examined therapeutic jurisprudence and procedural justice within the specialized court context; however, it is important to note that work indirectly applying these perspectives also supports this connection. For example, multiple studies have identified the role of the judge to be vital in specialized court programs (Goldkamp et al, 2001; Johnson, Hubbard, & Latessa, 2000; Marlowe et al, 2006; Taylor, 2012). Goldkamp et al (2001) found that higher levels of contact with the same judge reduced recidivism in drug courts.…”