Promoting the well-being of investigators, prosecutors and judges in Latvia

Abstract

The international survey, which aimed to assess the well-being and mental health of legal professionals worldwide, found that more than a third of the lawyers surveyed believe that work has a negative impact on their mental state and well-being. In addition, the survey found that 29% of the respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts or actions at some point in their career, and 45% reported experiencing stress-related health problems (International Bar Association, 2021). The aim of this study is to theoretically describe and practically explore aspects of well-being and the factors influencing it, as well as the needs of investigators, prosecutors and judges and the possibilities of supervision in promoting well-being. Two questionnaires ‘Professional well-being’ and ‘Professional needs’ were developed. The survey was carried out among 354 respondents: judges, prosecutors and investigators. It was concluded that the mental health, workload, work–life balance, knowledge, development and socialisation needs of judges, prosecutors and investigators are influenced by the need for a supportive working environment and psychological support, which determine the possibilities for supervision. At the same time, there are statistically significant differences between the job satisfaction, mental health and work–life balance of investigators, prosecutors and judges. There are also statistically significant differences between judges’, prosecutors’ and investigators’ needs for support, knowledge and development. Keywords: investigators; judges; prosecutors; professional needs; well-being; work–life balance.