Dissertation
Identifying barriers to implementing problem-solving courts for individuals who sexually offend: examining buy-in from the public and judges in the United States
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
09 Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011328
Abstract
Sexual violence is a significant and concerning problem in the United States. Law and policy aimed at individuals who sexually offend (ISO) are predicated on reducing risk and increasing public safety via punishment and incapacitation. However, much of the research suggests ISO policies are ineffective in that they do not reduce recidivism rates, provide a false sense of security, do not protect victims, and yield detrimental collateral consequences. Research further suggests that despite some understanding that these laws are ineffective, continued support persists due to a variety of factors. This study examined whether education about the efficacy of an alternative approach to addressing sexual crime could have an impact on public and judge perceptions of ISO risk, recidivism, and rehabilitation. Problem-solving courts (PSCs) have been successful in addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminality in other populations (e.g., drug offenders). Participants in this study completed a measure assessing perceptions of ISOs, read a randomized vignette of an ISO who committed an offense against a minor victim, and then provide a sentencing recommendation. After receiving information about PSCs, they reassessed their sentencing recommendation. Results indicated that brief psychoeducational information about PSCs had greater influence on sentencing recommendations for public participants than for judges. However, there was no evidence that the type of sexual crime had an impact on sentencing recommendations for participants. These findings suggest that more research is needed to assess the nuance of these relationships to better understand the viability of this alternative approach to reducing ISO risk--particularly because results also revealed that long-standing perceptions of ISOs significantly influenced these relationships. Future research can use the findings from this study to determine what types of PSCs are most appropriate for this population.
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Identifying barriers to implementing problem-solving courts for individuals who sexually offend
- Creators
- Chelsea Jackson
- Contributors
- David S. DeMatteo (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- 72 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022173273504721