Graduate Defense: Norma Jaeger

Dissertation Information

Title: Procedural Justice and Therapeutic Jurisprudence in Idaho Drug Treatment Courts

Program: Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration

Advisor: Dr. Jen Schneider, School of Public Service

Committee Members: Dr. Andrew Giacomazzi, School of Public Service; Dr. Lucas Alward, Criminal Justice, and Dr. Jacqueline Lee, Criminal Justice

Abstract

This qualitative multi-case study of the operations of Idaho drug treatment courts explores the application of two theoretical frameworks: therapeutic jurisprudence and procedural justice. Semi-structured interviews, analyzed using a modified grounded and phronetic iterative analysis, were conducted with 20 enrolled participants and 10 judges from courts and communities of varying sizes, located in four geographic areas of Idaho. Responses suggest that these courts operate from a foundation of therapeutic jurisprudence and effectively apply procedural justice practices: respectful treatment, trust, and participant voice, while having opportunities to further strengthen aspects of therapeutic decision-making, including improving participant understanding of drug court processes and participant engagement in evidence-based substance use disorder treatment. The study identifies participants’ life changes, including addiction recovery, as important elements shaping outcomes, and explores elements of judges’ emotional labor, including the emotional toll of long-term engagement with drug court participants, as important additional elements that should be considered. Recommendations address divergent sanction practices, orientation to the processes and requirements of the drug treatment court, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, including medication for opioid use disorder, and mitigating the emotional toll experienced by judges as a result of drug court service.