Episode 23: Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Hearings
Episode 23: Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Hearings  
Podcast: Proof Over Precedent
Published On: Tue Nov 18 2025
Description: Image by Courtney Chrystal, J.D. candidate, Harvard Law School Rogers hearings allow Massachusetts judges to approve treatment plans for involuntarily committed individuals, but the process is criticized for its inefficiency and 99% approval rate. What if procedural reforms could improve outcomes? Replacing district court judges with administrative law judges to oversee hearings and substituting public defenders with mental health professionals as patient advocates could improve outcomes for both the involuntarily committed individuals and the courts—reducing delays, improving patient outcomes, and better utilizing court resources, according to HLS student Aarushi Solanki. She outlines the need for a randomized controlled trial to bring evidence to this proposal. Read the corresponding blog post. Speakers: Aarushi Solanki, J.D. candidate, Harvard Law School Joe Liberman, J.D. candidate, Harvard Law School Resources mentioned: Rogers hearing Gagnon v. Scarpelli Vitek v. Jones Share feedback and relevant topics you would like the A2J Lab to discuss: a2jlab@law.harvard.edu Stay connected with the Access to Justice Lab: Email newsletter Facebook BlueSky Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Support the A2J Lab Proof Over Precedent cover art by Courtney Chrystal