Therapeutic jurisprudence was introduced in 1987, and its purpose was to treat those convicted of criminal behavior without causing additional harm to the person. Through this process, courts may order those convicted of crimes to attend court ordered education program. Due to many legal jurisdictions’ reforms, these programs have begun to play a major role in the US justice system. In fact, you may be required to complete court-ordered classes before your bail is returned.
Parenting
Parenting classes may be ordered for individuals who seek custody of their children, whether due to a divorce or a previous removal of the children from their home. These classes may be part of a court-mandated parenting plan during a divorce process. They may discuss helping children through a divorce or dealing with children in a nonviolent, non-abusive manner. Parenting classes may also provide general parenting knowledge, such as infant and baby care. Anger management treatment may also be part of this coursework.
Drugs and Alcohol
The Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation act from 1996 allowed states to develop and implement drug and alcohol treatment and education programs so that minor offenders are not automatically sentenced to jail or prison. These classes alleviated the burden that drug offenders placed on correctional facilities, reducing overcrowding. Drug and alcohol classes seek to address the root of the usage. In this way, these classes treat rather than punish the addict.
Anger Management
Anger management courses are typically highly effective. Individuals who are convicted of violent crimes, such as assault, child abuse or domestic violence, may be required to take these types of courses. Individuals, including adolescents, with drug addictions and emotional challenges are often sentenced to anger management classes. This treatment method is therapeutic and less punitive. It is also cost effective for the government and individuals completing this treatment.
Animal Cruelty
Those convicted of animal cruelty may now be sentenced to animal cruelty rehabilitation classes. These classes focus on the humane treatment of animals and teach animal law.
Driving
Courts also allow individuals to complete driving school if they receive one or more traffic tickets. Several states have a point system, and every traffic violation adds points to your license. When your points reach a specific level, you can lose your license for a period of time. Those who do not have point systems may also take your license for multiple violations. However, drivers can complete defensive driving or traffic schools to remove tickets, or points, from their licenses, preventing them from losing their rights to drive. These classes are typically short, only 4-12 hours long, and many can be completed online.
Court-ordered treatment and classes offer judges a balance. Those convicted of crimes are held accountable for the harm they caused. However, minor offenders are not unduly harmed through punitive sentences.