Veterans In The Criminal Justice System Syllabus Spring 2017

Veterans In The Criminal Justice System Syllabus Spring 2017require

Write a comprehensive paper based on the course content about veterans entangled in the criminal justice system. The paper should highlight the overall content of the course, including the social, psychological, and legal aspects of veteran interactions with the criminal justice system. Include prevention strategies to reduce veteran entanglement and propose improvements for the criminal justice system's handling of veterans. The paper must define what a veteran is, describe the unique experiences and challenges faced by veterans, and discuss whether veterans should be considered different at various stages of the criminal justice process. Use information from assigned readings, including works by Emerson, Philipps, and Wood, as well as additional social science research. Incorporate insights from class discussions, films, guest speakers, and relevant research data, particularly focusing on Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Cite all sources appropriately, and the paper should be between 8 and 10 pages, double-spaced. The submission deadline is June 9, 2017, in Word format as a single attachment to the professor.

Paper For Above instruction

Veterans entangled in the criminal justice system represent a growing concern that has garnered increasing attention from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Understanding this complex intersection requires an examination of the military experience, the socialization process within the military, the challenges faced during transition back into civilian life, and the unique psychological impacts of combat exposure such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and moral injury. This paper aims to synthesize key aspects of this issue grounded in academic literature, empirical research, and insights gained from class discussions, films, and guest lectures, while proposing strategies to prevent veteran involvement in the criminal justice system and to improve their treatment within it.

Defining "Veteran" and Recognizing Their Unique Experiences

The term "veteran" broadly refers to individuals who have served in the military, whether active duty, reserve, or National Guard. However, not all veterans experience separation in the same way; combat exposure, length of service, and personal background contribute to varied outcomes. Many veterans encounter significant psychological and social challenges stemming from their military experiences. For instance, the works of Gloria Emerson (2014), David Philipps (2012), and David Wood (2016) highlight how combat exposure often leads to psychological trauma and moral injury—an adverse effect where the moral fabric of a soldier is wounded due to actions taken or witnessed during war.

Research indicates that veterans face difficulties in reintegration, especially those exposed to combat, who often grapple with altered perceptions of safety, trust, and morality. Moreover, the societal perception of veterans can sometimes stigmatize or alienate them, complicating their transition. Understanding the multifaceted nature of veteran identity, including the transformative military experience, is essential in framing policies and interventions aimed at this demographic.

The Sociological Impact of Military Culture and Transition

The military operates as a total institution—a concept introduced by sociologist Émile Durkheim—forming a distinct social environment with its norms, values, and behaviors. This structure influences how veterans adapt to civilian life after discharge. The process of transformation from civilian to soldier and back can create a disconnect, often referred to as "not fitting" into civilian society. Such dissonance may lead veterans to engage in criminal behaviors as a means of coping or expressing unresolved conflicts.

The reintegration process is complicated by the military's culture of resilience, hyper-masculinity, and emotional suppression. As a result, many veterans do not seek help, fearing stigma or loss of benefits, which exacerbates psychological issues. The transition period is critical, and failure to provide adequate support services—such as mental health care, employment assistance, and social integration programs—heightens the risk of criminal justice involvement.

The Link Between Combat Trauma and Criminal Behavior

Combat experiences significantly increase the risk of mental health issues like PTSD, TBI, and moral injury. PTSD, characterized by hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbing, can impair judgment and impulse control. TBI, often sustained during combat or accidents, affects cognitive functions and behavior regulation. Moral injury involves feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal, which can lead to destructive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and violent behavior.

Empirical data, including findings from recent studies by the instructor and other researchers, suggest that veterans with untreated PTSD and TBI are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. These conditions often go unrecognized or unaddressed, leading to misinterpretation of veteran behaviors as criminal rather than symptomatic of psychological trauma.

The Criminal Justice System's Response and Potential Improvements

Historically, the criminal justice system has inadequately addressed veteran-specific issues, often treating symptoms as criminal acts rather than indicators of underlying trauma. The lack of specialized training among law enforcement, judges, and attorneys contributes to misunderstandings and ineffective interventions. Studies indicate that many law enforcement agencies are reluctant to receive veteran-specific training; however, specialized programs—such as CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training—can positively impact outcomes.

Proposed improvements include implementing veteran-sensitive training for criminal justice personnel, establishing diversion programs tailored for veterans, and creating collaborative partnerships among law enforcement, mental health providers, and veteran service organizations. Evidence-based practices suggest that such approaches can reduce recidivism, promote healing, and facilitate successful reintegration.

Prevention Strategies and Policy Recommendations

Preventative measures should focus on early identification of at-risk veterans through screening initiatives in military, veteran, and community settings. Education campaigns can destigmatize mental health care and encourage veterans to seek help before problems escalate. Integration of mental health services into veteran transition programs, alongside employment, housing, and social support, can mitigate factors contributing to criminal involvement.

Within the criminal justice system, implementing veteran-specific courts—such as Veterans Treatment Courts—has shown promising results. These courts offer tailored treatment, supervision, and support services, recognizing the unique needs of veteran offenders. Additionally, policies must promote ongoing research and data collection to better understand veteran populations in the criminal justice system, ensuring evidence-based policy development.

Conclusion

Veterans' entanglement with the criminal justice system is a multidimensional issue rooted in psychological, social, and cultural factors. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of the veteran experience, informed by research and practice. Preventive strategies, enhanced training, and specialized legal responses are essential components of an effective approach. The overarching goal should be to honor veterans’ service by providing appropriate support to facilitate their positive reintegration into society, ultimately reducing criminal justice involvement and promoting healing.

References

• Emerson, G. (2014). Winners and Losers: Battles, Retreats, Gains, Losses and Ruins from the Vietnam War. WW. Norton & Co.
• Philipps, D. (2012). Lethal Warriors: When the New Band of Brothers Came Home. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Wood, D. (2016). What Have We Done: The Moral Injury of Our Longest Wars. Little, Brown & Co.