Journal of Psychiatric Insight Review

Abstract

This evidence-based research indicates that judicial and institutional betrayals are more common than rare in legal processes. As Mia described the outcome, she felt like she had been “mentally raped”. However, no institution or judicial process should harm those who rely on them, and everyone should be equal before the law. Currently, the legal system appears to favor a small elite over justice or the people it is supposed to protect. Furthermore, women often appear to be at a disadvantage in legal proceedings, possibly because men frequently dominate adjudication and women do not enjoy priority. Accordingly, laypersons are not valued; instead, they are mostly perceived as stupid. Ethical breaches, monopolistic practices, and lack of oversight leave individuals humiliated, disempowered, and psychologically harmed. Meaningful reform - through transparency, psychology, and stronger accountability - is vital to restore fairness and trust in adjudication.

Although attorneys in this research and their association appear to behave as if they were a state organization with the power to enact laws, they do not possess such authority. One may wonder, without personal experience, whether attorney education encourages arrogance, or whether individuals with superiority tendencies are drawn to that education and title. Whatever the case, significant change is needed to prevent this kind of elitism, as no attorney should enjoy inviolability. Robust external monitoring and correct enforcement of Directive 98/5/EC is essential, alongside ensuring that lawyers have the same opportunities to exert influence as other legal professionals. Equally important, mental health professionals should greatly modify adjudication, shaping practices to ensure humanity.