Stress, Trauma, and Wellbeing in the Legal System

Stress and trauma have potential to affect the behavior and performance of victims, litigants, witnesses, judges, jurors, police, and attorneys; this in turn can impact the functioning of the legal system as a whole. Stress and trauma can also affect the individual on a more personal level, affecting their relationships, job satisfaction and overall health. On the other hand, contact with the legal system has potential to promote wellbeing for many individuals, such as victims who feel that justice was served and jurors and judges who feel they have helped preserve the integrity of the legal system. This book consolidates the theory and research concerning the impact that being involved with the legal system has on a variety of groups. It also discusses the lengths the legal system has gone to in order to protect these individuals, such as counseling for jurors after stressful trials, and allowing children to testify by closed circuit TV. Finally, after reviewing the literature and summarizing the existing research, each chapter points out where research is lacking. In all, the book provides an overview of how being involved in the legal system can affect various groups of people ranging from witnesses to attorneys to victims. All rights reserved.