Reference no: EM133804055
Specialized courts are designed to handle specific cases like bankruptcy, family court, criminal law, civil disputes, veterans court, juvenile court, or drug and alcohol offenses. The purpose of specialized courts is to find the root cause of the offense and offer treatment, resources, or rehabilitation instead of confinement in every case. Specialized courts are voluntary by offenders and the main goal is to break the cycle of being in the justice system and find ways to give offenders treatment programs.
The pros to a specialized court system: It relieves case load and opens more space in the courtroom for matters to be heard. It allows a judge expertise in a specific field, which allows for better decision making. Since judges have a smaller number of cases, they can focus more on a specific matter and expedite a verdict. Lastly, it offers more protection for victims and more options for rehabilitation for the offender.
The cons to a specialized court system: Cost is a draw back of these courts because of additional staffing and training required. There is potential for biased opinions from the judge after hearing the same cases regularly. There is also potential to sway a judge when they work with an agency frequently.
I am for specialized courts because it gives prosecutors and judges an area in which to focus on and become experts. Being an expert in a specific field of specialized courts allows for better decision making in a case, allows for knowledge of more resources, and allows judges to know if a person is a good fit for the program. I believe the pros out way the cons substantially and a lot of these courts offer rehabilitation over prosecution, which is not always necessary in every case. Allowing criminal courts more space to prosecute habitual offenders or major criminal offenses instead of minor offenses, offers more protection to the public.