Veterans’ Treatment Courts: The View from the UK

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Recent developments in the UK have led to increased interest in Veterans’ Treatment Courts [VTCs]. Most recently members of the Howard League for Penal Reform (2011) have visited the USA and reported favourably on the work carried out within VTCs. Similarly, a recent Ministry of Justice (2014) call for evidence has raised VTCs as an area for further exploration.
From a UK perspective, there is currently no legislative framework which would enable the introduction of VTCs. There are also a number of concerns about the suitability of such a treatment based approach for ex-servicemen who may have been charged with violent offences. Although, a number of academic papers around VTCs are readily available in the UK, it would appear that efficacy, success, economic sustainability and so on are difficult to measure. There is also the issue of fairness and concerns around the perception of ex-servicemen receiving a different form of justice.

It would therefore appear most beneficial to discuss these issues with colleagues from the USA in order to increase understanding and awareness.

Author

• Paula Bowles, University of Northampton