Veterans Courts
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Travis, Timothy, A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
The United States entered the global war on terrorism on September 11, 2001. Since that time, millions of men and women have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the horn of Africa in support of these combat operations. The veteran population in the United States is estimated to be 23,442,000 (National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, 2008). The signature injuries of the global war on terrorism are post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. A disproportionate percentage of returning veterans show signs of mental health disorders and/or substance abuse issues. These facts lead to many of our veterans entering into the criminal justice system.
In order to address the needs of this unique community, the criminal justice system should facilitate veterans courts in its jurisdictions. These specialty courts, based on the DWI courts model, have lower recidivism rates than traditional courts, address the specific needs of each veteran, cost the taxpayer less money, and are much faster than traditional courts.
Keywords
Courts of special jurisdiction, Special needs offenders--United States