The first Veterans Court opened in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2004, under the direction of District Court Judges Sigurd Murphy and Jack Smith. Four years later, Judge Robert T. Russell presided over the first session of the Veterans Treatment Court in Buffalo, New York. (Holbrook & Anderson, 2011, p. 20) These courts were formed to help returning veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and many other issues. The court serves as a liaison to the criminal justice system and veterans affairs; receive treatment, supervision, support, and support for veterans struggling with addiction, depression, and other illnesses related to reintegration into society after combat (Schaffer 2010). Veterans return with various issues due to family separation, things they saw and couldn't deal with, as well as injuries they may have sustained while in theater. Some of these problems, but not only, involve substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder which leads to related problems such as assaults on family members, martial conflicts and very often suicide (Champion, Hartley & Rabe, 2012, p .302). Veterans are more likely to commit suicide, which is likely to increase if they are incarcerated (Wortzel 2009). Not all veterans returning from war experience challenges, however returning to civilian or garrison life away from combat can be a difficult adjustment depending on how many times they have been deployed or the traumatic events the veteran has witnessed. Studies suggest that veterans who suffer from PTSD are more likely to engage in criminal misconduct than non-veterans who have not suffered from PTSD. These studies do not show the likelihood of subsequent criminal conduct due to mi...... middle of paper ......this help. Negative attitudes towards seeking help now turn into bigger issues that include possible criminal acts. It is clearly evident that these courts are here to stay. I truly believe that any veteran, who willingly risks their life to serve and protect their country, definitely deserves to receive assistance. Works Cited Champion, D. J., Hartley, R. D., & Rabe, G. A. (2012). Criminal Courts: Structure, Process, and Problems (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Holbrook, J. and Anderson, S. Veterans Court: Early Results and Key Indicators of Success. 11-25. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://ssrn.com/abstract=1912655McMichael, W.H. (2011, November 1). The battle on the home front: Special courts turn to vets to help other vets. . Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article