Performing Gendered Justice: Judicial Dynamics in Problem Solving Courts for Women

• In Event: Inclusion, Problem-Solving and Sentencing

Abstract

Greater Manchester’s Problem Solving Courts (PSCs) for women were established in 2014. Based on international PSC models, the aim of the GM PSCs was to divert women from custody and support compliance on community orders. Previous work examining problem-solving justice (not explicitly for women), highlighted challenges relating to increased surveillance and emphasis on compliance, rather than the relational, holistic and therapeutic intention. Much of these findings highlight the need for additional Magistrate training, who evidently want to play a greater role within the rehabilitative process. Until this project, there has not been an evaluation of PSCs for women, and their trauma-informed role in gendered justice.

This paper explores the performance of gendered justice in the context of the court space for women across the Greater Manchester PSCs. This paper will examine the perspectives of women attending PSCs, alongside the voices of probation staff and magistrates who are leading the reviews. Discussions will also centre around the environmental analysis and the 57 hours of observational data collected from three different magistrates courts, to thoroughly review the courts through a trauma-informed lens.

Authors

• Alexandria Bradley, Leeds Beckett University

• Sarah Waite, Leeds Beckett University