The role of therapeutic jurisprudence to support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the courtroom: Reflections from Ontario, Canada.

It is generally recognized that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk than the general population when they encounter the criminal justice system due to vulnerabilities such as cognition, memory and language (Jones, 2007). To date, little evidence has been generated regarding best practice to support persons with IDD in the criminal justice system, specifically the courtroom. Various models of problem-solving courts have developed across Canada to divert cases composed of complex human social problems to more appropriate community-based treatment and supports.