Courting Justice: Tracing the Evolution and Future of Domestic Violence Courts. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gover, Angela R.; Boots, Denise Paquette; Harper, Shannon B.
• Other Names: Simons Leslie Gordon guest-editor.; Sutton Tara E. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Feminist criminology. Volume 16:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: domestic violence -- specialized courts -- domestic violence courts -- judicial response -- intimate partner violence; Feminist criminology -- Periodicals; Female offenders -- Periodicals; 364.37405
• DOI: 10.1177/1557085120987638
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-0851

Abstract

Specialized domestic violence courts (DVCs) have been a popular judicial option for processing domestic violence (DV) offenders since the 1990s. While DVCs vary in structure, common core components for programming have emerged across courts in the United States concerning courtroom features and processes. This article reviews the etiology and history of specialty courts for intimate partner violence, discusses the common programming components implemented by courts nationwide, and provides an assessment of the efficacy of DVCs in holding offenders accountable while simultaneously protecting victim safety. Finally, the article discusses the ongoing challenges and implications with regard to community response to DVCs.