Mental health in the judiciary: proposals for structural psychological support in the Spanish judicial system

Abstract

In Spain, members of the judiciary face a considerable psycho-emotional burden from continual exposure to cases involving violence, abuse, and family conllict, in the absence of structured psychological support services. This article examines the implications of this institutional gap for judicial mental health and impartiality, drawing on international empirical evidence. It proposes the figure of an ••integrated judicial psychologist" - a professional with dual clinical and forensic training who provides preventi ve, confidential, and ethically sound support without compromising judicial independence. Two modes of intervention are analysed (periodic consultations and courtroom observation), and a feasible implementation pathway is outl ined through training initiatives and institutional agreements. The proposal is presented as a necessary step toward a more resilient, sustainable, and humane judicial system. Note: 'judge" and ··magistrate" are used interchangeably, referring collect ively to members of the Spanish judiciary, without imply ing a funct ional distinction relevant to the concerns discussed.