A Phenomenological Exploration of Drug Court Programs from the Perspectives of Clients

Since the late 1980s, the criminal justice system has been afflicted with drug dependent individuals. Drug courts were implemented in an effort to reduce criminal activity associated with drug use. While policies were developed to increase harsher punishments the drug court movement was determined to seek a holistic approach with the individuals. It has been documented the widespread operation of drug courts has been successful in reducing recidivism rates, however less is known about drug court clients lived experiences with therapeutic jurisprudence while rehabilitating. There is a lack of research to investigate what participants' experiences and perceptions were of the implementation of therapeutic jurisprudence and the role it plays toward their success. Therefore, the problem addressed was how drug court clients experience the implementation of therapeutic jurisprudence in drug courts is unknown. This research presents a meaningful gap in the literature as this lack of knowledge prevents those who are in the position of authority in drug courts from addressing the issues and keeping these issues from reoccurring in the future. The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of former drug court clients with therapeutic jurisprudence while rehabilitating within drug courts located in East Tennessee. The phenomenon of participation in a drug court program was explored by obtaining rich, thick descriptions of the lived experiences of former drug court clients. Data were collected from a sample of seven former drug court clients from different drug court programs operating in East Tennessee. Data collected were analyzed using the modified van Kaam method. Of the seven themes identified in this study, five have been identified in previous studies related to drug court success: accountability, coping skills, alternative to prison, contributing to society, and stability. Two themes identified during the research have not been identified in previous research. These two themes are family atmosphere and gratitude. Recommendations for future research include additional research designed to conclude the extent to which these finding can be generalized to drug courts in other states and metropolitan areas. Secondly, future studies focused on therapeutic jurisprudence in the drug courts should also incorporate drug court clients that may still be serving time on probation, parole, or still have outstanding charges. And lastly, future research should explore whether the two newly identified themes in the study impact the drug court success.