Veteran Treatment Court Clients’ Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Recidivism

• Author: Cassandra A. Atkin-Plunk,Gaylene S. Armstrong,Nicky Dalbir
• Published date: 01 June 2021
• Date: 01 June 2021
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0887403420920334
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403420920334

Criminal Justice Policy Review

2021, Vol. 32(5) 501 –522

© The Author(s) 2020

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DOI: 10.1177/0887403420920334

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Article

Veteran Treatment Court

Clients’ Perceptions of

Procedural Justice and

Recidivism

Cassandra A. Atkin-Plunk1,

Gaylene S. Armstrong2, and Nicky Dalbir2

Abstract

Studies surrounding the effectiveness of veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) are

now emerging. Absent from this scholarship is an examination of the presence of

procedural justice within VTCs and the influence of procedural justice on future

criminal behavior of VTC clients. To begin this dialogue, this study surveys 41

clients enrolled in two VTCs in a Southern state. We explore client perceptions

of procedurally just treatment by their judge and assigned supervision officer. Using

an average follow-up time of 20 months, this study also examines the effects of

perceptions of procedural justice on recidivism of court clients. Results find VTC

clients perceive their judge and supervision officer treat them in a procedurally

just manner. Interestingly, perceptions of procedural justice during interactions did

not result in reduced recidivism among the current sample. Policy and program

implications along with recommendations for future research are provided.

Keywords

procedural justice, veterans’ treatment courts, problem-solving courts, recidivism

Introduction

Military veterans encounter unique challenges when returning from active duty. Studies

find these men and women may experience stress stemming from re-engagement with

1Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA

2University of Nebraska Omaha, USA

Corresponding Author:

Cassandra A. Atkin-Plunk, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University,

777 Glades Road, 222 Social Science Building, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.

Email: catkinplunk@fau.edu

920334CJPXXX10.1177/0887403420920334Criminal Justice Policy ReviewAtkin-Plunk et al.

research-article2020

502 Criminal Justice Policy Review 32(5)

civilian life and from the lingering, deleterious effects of combat experiences

(Montgomery & Olson, 2018). Certain military experiences, particularly engaging in

combat and duty-related injuries, can traumatize individuals both physically and

mentally resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, mental

illness, substance use disorders, and maladaptation (Blodgett et al., 2015; Department

of Veterans Affairs, 2012; Finlay et al., 2015; May et al., 2017; Maynard et al., 2017).

An ongoing confluence of these negative consequences and worsening symptoms can

result in these veterans making poor decisions that lead to arrest and involvement in the

criminal justice system. Because of their prior combat and related military experiences,

these veterans present complex criminogenic and treatment needs, and may have dis-

tinct interactions in the criminal justice system.

A concern that society is failing to support returning veterans adequately has

resulted in the development of resources specific to veterans involved in the justice

system (henceforth justice-involved veterans; Baldwin, 2015; Russell, 2009). Building

on the drug court model in recognizing a similar approach may be effective for justice-

involved veterans, veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) were established (Russell, 2009;

Smith, 2012). Although substantial research concludes participation and completion of

treatment through a drug court significantly reduces recidivism (Gottfredson et al.,

2003; Mitchell et al., 2012; Wilson et al., 2006), the effectiveness of VTCs is less clear

(Baldwin & Brooke, 2019; Hartley & Baldwin, 2019; Smith, 2012). Components of

drug courts credited as contributing to positive behavioral change include 10 key com-

ponents summarized by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (Bureau

of Justice Assistance, 2004). Included within these key components are a coordinated

strategy that addresses identification and inclusion of individuals into a stage-progres-

sion program to combat substance use, which involves structure and mandatory inten-

sive treatment. Significant research has been conducted in these areas of substance use

issues. A key component of specialized courts less often discussed is the impact of

using a non-adversarial, therapeutic approach to guide behavioral change (Ahlin &

Douds, 2019; Kaiser & Holtfreter, 2016). Arguably, such an approach employs a pro-

cedural justice framework during interactions with court participants (Bureau of

Justice Assistance, 2004).

Simply stated, procedural justice focuses on the fairness of the process that indi-

viduals encountering legal authorities experience, including quality of treatment and

quality of decision making (Sunshine & Tyler, 2003; Thibaut & Walker, 1975; Tyler,

2006; Tyler & Folger, 1980). Research in problem-solving courts (e.g., drug, mental

health, and domestic violence courts) suggests a correlation between perceptions of

procedural justice and increased satisfaction with the court, increased program com-

pliance, reduced drug use, and reduced criminal behavior (Canada & Watson, 2013;

Gottfredson et al., 2007; Gover et al., 2007; Henry, 2011; McIvor, 2009; Poythress

et al., 2002; Wales et al., 2010). Researchers, however, have not yet examined these

relationships in the context of VTCs.

To fill this knowledge gap, this study examines perceptions of procedural justice

among VTC participants and the relationship of these perceptions with recidivism.

Specifically, we utilize data from two VTCs in a Southern state and measure client