Stress, Trauma, and Wellbeing in the Legal System: An Overview

All individuals face stress in daily life; this may be particularly true for those who enforce the law, administer justice or are forced into the legal system. Stress can result in negative behaviors, burnout, reduced efficiency, risk-taking or a range of physical and psychological symptoms. This introductory chapter overviews the main purpose of the book, which is to present theory, research, and scholarship from various disciplines and offer suggestions for those interested in exploring and improving the wellbeing of those who are voluntarily (police, probation officers, litigants, lawyers, judges, etc.) or involuntarily (jurors, civil litigants, criminal defendants, witnesses, etc.) drawn into the legal system. Further, as outlined in the chapter, the book focuses on both negative and positive aspects of wellbeing in order to provide a broad perspective on wellbeing in the legal system. This approach offers insights into how individuals can change the legal system on both an individual basis and on a macro level.