Courts' Responses to Trauma and Application of the Transcendental Meditation Technique
Journal of Maharishi Vedic Research Institute April 1, 2021 Michael King
Courts often retraumatize victims and other parties because their processes are not trauma-sensitive, and court professionals may suffer secondary trauma from exposure to traumatic cases. The article argues that courts are beginning to address trauma through innovative processes and referrals to support services, but more avenues should be explored. It notes research indicating that the Transcendental Meditation technique alleviates PTSD symptoms, promotes psychological growth, and reduces offender recidivism, yet court programs have only used it in small offender rehabilitation settings. The authors propose that courts should consider broader use of this technique to address trauma in parties and secondary stress in court professionals.