Procedural justice and forensic mental health: An introduction and future directions

Abstract

This article advocates for integrating procedural justice principles into forensic mental health services to enhance patient engagement and autonomy. Procedural justice, broadly defined as fair decision-making processes, is introduced and key principles including voice, neutrality, respect and trustworthiness are described. Evidence suggestive of positive outcomes following procedural justice experiences, such as improved satisfaction, collaboration and reduced perceptions of coercion is outlined. Practical applications are suggested, including staff training and reflective practices using procedural justice principles. The article then calls for further research to explore patients’ and staff members’ experiences of procedural justice in forensic settings, develop measurement tools, undertake intervention studies and establish causal links between procedural justice and outcomes important for forensic patients.