Allegra Mcleod's Four Models Of Specialized Courts

Jessica Wolak Julian Thompson CLJ 350 15 April 2024 McLeod’s Four Models of Specialized Courts There have been many different approaches created and attempted to battle challenges within the criminal justice system. For example, Allegra McLeod wrote in her article, “Decarceration Courts: Possibilities and Perils of a Shifting Criminal Law”, about four criminal law reform models currently being used in specialized criminal courts. Each model provides a unique perspective on how to address challenges within the criminal legal system. However, each strength and weakness is found in specialized courts, making it difficult to find a direct resolution. First is the therapeutic jurisprudence model, which is being incorporated in every state in the

In addition, there is typically a focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and providing resources in these courts. Regardless, there is a lack of systemic changes in these courts because they do not find and address root causes for such type of criminal behavior. Some systemic inequalities and biases make it difficult for some people to access services. Finally, the decriminalization model is applied to these courts to separate these crimes and provide alternative approaches to appropriate criminalization. With that being said, overcriminalization and over-incarceration are viewed as common structural issues for nonviolent offenders. This model is used in specialized courts to focus on promoting individual, psychological well-being and rehabilitation, as McLeod believes. Some divergence would include limited access to resources, coercion or pressure, and structural factors. The limitations make it difficult for there to be positive outcomes within the legal system. The therapeutic jurisprudence model, judicial monitoring model, order maintenance model, and decarceration model all aim to provide different approaches to issues within the legal