Introduction
Integrated courts function in such a way that one judge considers all matters involving a family so that a single decision makers would understand all the issues facing parents and children. Such issues include delinquency, domestic violence, divorce, custody, support, abuse, and neglect among others (Victoria, 2009). There are various benefits associated with this approach in the court system and potential limitations as well.
Potential Problems and Benefits
One of the potential problems regarding this court is that cases that were initial private would be exposed to the public and press in contrast to applications done in chamber of the family courts. Secondly, there is probability of perpetual of poor decision (Victoria, 2009). Once a bad verdict has been passed by the judge and there is no change, the same will be followed and the poor decision will be perpetuated. Consequently, it’s time consuming to follow precedents in the court system in order to make changes.
However, there are many benefits of integrated courts which outweigh the potential problems by far. Integrated courts which are a one judge model will eliminated the incomprehensible and complex court procedures. The approach will reduce the cost incurred, the time consumed, the confusion and the jeopardized safety of those affected when navigating the complicated court structures (Hensly & Snook 2012). Integrated court system increases consistency and efficiency of services to victims and families. The courts also incorporate judicial monitoring thereby facilitating retrieval to advocacy and services and also focuses on close communication with outside agencies and programs.
Conclusion
Although the move to create integrated court is prone to some problems, the benefits that will associate with the approach in handling cases outweigh the limitation to a great extent. Since the integrated courts handle both criminal and civil matters in a single hearing, there will be minimized number of appearances for litigants. This move increase rate of disposition and monitors the process of all participants thereby increasing efficiency.
Reference
Hensly,T. R. & Snook, C( 2012) The Rehnquist Court: Justices, Rulings, and Legacy. ABC-CLIO.Califonia
Victoria, A. G. (2009) Connecting Courts: The Integrated Courts Management System. Government Printer, South Africa: Pretoria
