Mental Health Court
/ˈmɛntl hɛlθ kɔrt/
Definitions
- (n.) A specialized court designed to handle cases involving defendants with mental health disorders, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The defendant was referred to the mental health court to receive appropriate psychiatric treatment alongside legal supervision.
- (n.) A judicial forum that integrates mental health services into the criminal justice process to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for mentally ill offenders.
Mental health courts often collaborate with social workers and psychologists to create tailored intervention plans.
Forms
- mental health court
- mental health courts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Mental health courts exemplify therapeutic jurisprudence by balancing legal oversight with mental health treatment, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.