Therapeutic Jurisprudence: An Overview

Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, Vol. 17, pp. 125-134, 2000

10 Pages Posted: 17 Jan 2001

See all articles by David B. Wexler

David B. Wexler

University of Puerto Rico - School of Law; University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Abstract

This article is the printed version of a lecture given at the Cooley Law School as part of a symposium on disability law. Therapeutic jurisprudence is an interdisciplinary perspective that looks at the law itself as a potential therapeutic agent. It focuses on the impact of the law on emotional life and psychological well-being, The law consists of the law in action, and not merely the law on the books, and law is defined to include legal rules, legal procedures, and the roles of legal actors. One thrust of therapeutic jurisprudence is law reform, but another important dimension is in exploring ways in which the existing law may be more therapeutically applied. The latter aspect of therapeutic jurisprudence enables psychological insights to be effectively employed in judging and in the day-to-day practice of the law. The article provides examples of therapeutic jurisprudence, both in its law reform and in its practice dimension, and illustrates how promising psychological literature may be creatively imported into the law and the legal system.

Suggested Citation

Wexler, David B., Therapeutic Jurisprudence: An Overview. Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, Vol. 17, pp. 125-134, 2000, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=256658

David B. Wexler (Contact Author)

University of Puerto Rico - School of Law ( email )

PO Box 23349
San Juan.PR, AZ 00931
Puerto Rico
787-565-1625 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: https://law.arizona.edu/david-b-wexler

University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, AZ 85721-0176
United States
787-565-1625 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: https://law.arizona.edu/david-b-wexler

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