Judges have learned over the years that punishment is not always the best route to take when rehabilitating a one-time offender or someone with a minor charge. They have also witnessed how much power education brings to the table when it comes to child-rearing. As such, courts mandate class attendance for these reasons and others. Here are four of the most common:
1. Anger Management
Anger management classes are mandated by judges in matters involving fighting, property destruction, assault, battery, disturbing the peace, or other violent misdemeanors caused by rage. Usually, completing such a class will compel the court to drop the charges or minimize any sentence given.
Completing an anger management class gives the pupil a working understanding of his or her triggers. These court ordered classes online Nebraska or in-person also provide defendants with the tools needed to control automatic responses of anger in given situations. They even give students constructive methods for expressing their emotions.
2. Parenting
Some states order all litigants in child custody matters and divorce proceedings that involve minor children to attend a parenting class. The order to attend this class tends to confuse and irritate parents that otherwise would have no reason to attend such a program. However, judges feel that children can benefit from parents who learn how to divide and share parental duties to lessen the impact of the upcoming judgment.
Of course, these classes are also a mainstay of the child protection courts. Many parents that have lost their children due to neglect or abuse must partake in such programs to learn the skills needed to regain their parental rights.
3. Drugs and Alcohol Treatment
For those that are struggling with substance abuse disorder, judge-ordered rehab is often a lifesaver. The chaos surrounding people experiencing addiction usually goes unnoticed by them and may lead to legal entanglements that bring them before the court. Obligatory classes allow defendants to recover from their illnesses rather than face punishments for crimes committed due to their diseases or while under the influence of mind-controlling substances.
4. Theft Prevention
Attendance of theft, shoplifting, and larceny awareness classes are usually required for first-time offenders as an essential part of state pretrial diversion programs. Such programs give those that are unlikely to re-offend another chance to have a clean criminal record. Upon completion, the defendant will also avoid sentencing.
In conclusion, judge-ordered classes are not to be taken lightly. Not only can they aid a litigant or defendant with personal issues that they have been facing, but attendance is usually mandatory in the eyes of the court. If a person wants the judge to look at his or her matter favorably, it is best to obey the orders given.