Fazari Advocates for Trauma-Informed Policies in the Courtroom

Giuseppe M. Fazari, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, recently published research in The Court Administrator (TCA), an online magazine featuring news and articles from members of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA).

This year's publication, "Global Perspectives on Court Administration," focuses on the IACA's 17th international conference held in Dubai and features insights, presentations, and perspectives from judicial leaders and international court administrators. The authors highlight innovation, modernization, and the future of justice systems.

Fazari's article and corresponding presentation argues that courts can improve justice outcomes by adopting practices that recognize how past adversity shapes the behavior of people involved in the legal system.

In "Mindful Court Management: A Trauma-Informed Framework for Improving Justice Administration Outcomes," Fazari contends that many courtroom behaviors commonly viewed as defiance, indifference, or disengagement may instead reflect psychological responses to trauma. To combat this, the article calls for judges and court administrators to create court environments grounded in dignity, safety, and respect.

Fazari further argues that courts should address trauma at a systemic level by redesigning physical spaces, improving communication practices, and training employees to recognize trauma symptoms. His recommendations include clearer signage, private interview areas, accessible language services, and stronger collaboration with community organizations, while emphasizing that every court employee plays a role in shaping how litigants experience the justice system.

Fazari concludes that trauma-informed courts can strengthen public trust and improve compliance with court orders by creating environments where individuals feel respected, understood, and more willing to engage constructively with the legal process.

Read the full article in The Court Administrator.