Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate context, problems, and causes for the competency development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma favorable to the competency development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court based on the Buddhist peaceful means to increase efficacy in mediating criminal cases; and 3) to present the competency development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court based on the Buddhist peaceful means to increase efficacy in mediating criminal cases. The study used a qualitative research technique, collecting data through in-depth interviews with night key informants and focus group discussions with ten experts. The obtained data were summarized by content analysis.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) Context, problems, and causes for competency development of mediators at Phra Khanog Criminal Court are as follows: (1) Training problems that still have not been properly addressed; (2) Problems with insufficient access to information, with some information being incorrect; (3) Problems with the assessment of processes used to test the competencies of mediators; (4) Lack of support or failure to meet the requirements of mediators; and (5) Insufficient or incorrect management in developing the mediators competencies.
2) The Buddhadhamma favorable to the development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court, includes: Ariyasacca (the four noble truths), which consists of dukkha (suffering), refers to problems in access to information, communication across agencies, and competency development; Samudaya (the cause of suffering) refers to the competency development for mediation in the current Phra Khanong Criminal Court, which is constantly changing, increased mediation skills to respond appropriately to the mediator's requirements; Nirodha (the cessation of suffering) refers to the delay in communication between the relevant authorities and the lack of alignment in understanding. Solving all these problems leads to the competency development to perform the job efficiently; and Magga (the path leading to the cessation of suffering) refers to the competency development of mediators in order to increase their confidence in performing their job through activities such as criminal case management, problem-solving skills, teamwork skills,and leadership skills.
3) There are 6 processes for competency development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court based on the Buddhist peaceful means in order to increase efficiency in mediating criminal cases as follows: (1) The first process is to promote morale, develop skills and knowledge, create a learning environment, and encourage cooperation within teamwork; (2) The second process is to integrate Buddhadhamma into the potential development of officers so that they can perform their job fairly and successfully; (3) The third process is to arrange meditation retreat in order to enhance the morality of the participants; (4) The fourth process refers to the results of developing the management skills of personnel at Phra Khanong Criminal Court according to Ariyasacca, where the quality of operation has been improved by enhancing skill and knowledge, increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and boosting confidence in performing activities, resulting in quality and fair service; (5) The fifth process refers to a new body of knowledge about how to develop competency in mediating criminal cases using Buddhist peaceful means in order to improve efficiency in the criminal justice system, with a focus on reconciliation and offenders' rehabilitation. Understanding and forgiveness play a crucial role in promoting a fair society; and (6) The sixth process refers to following up the competency development of mediators at Phra Khanong Criminal Court based on the Buddhist peaceful means, which shows that mediation efficiency has been improved by developing skills, creating a learning environment, measuring and evaluating competency on a regular basis, and creating tools to track information. All of these are necessary for properly addressing criminal cases and preventing risk.