With any new book there are often as many questions raised as there are concrete answers. This book has raised some serious questions that deserve empirical answers. The author believes that the next logical step to Searching for Sacred Rivers is a systematic effort by legal and social science researchers to build upon this foundation by exploring various points of inquiry. As a way to begin this process I offer the following research questions as a point of departure for the next stage of this important work.
- Do clients who receive legal services from “holistic” or “spiritually centered” lawyers better served? Do they feel more satisfied with the results and the process?
- Are “holistic” or "spiritually centered” lawyers more satisfied with the practice of law?
- Are they better able to avoid some of the spiritual challenges such as depression, alcoholism and dissatisfaction with their work?
- Can holistic or spiritually centered practitioners create enough business to sustain a practice at a reasonable level?
- What type of holistic practices (collaborative law, restorative justice, therapeutic jurisprudence, contemplative practices) appear to be gaining the greater acceptance within the legal profession? What factors have contributed to this success?
- Are holistic practitioners involved in fewer disciplinary proceedings?
- Are clients truly receptive to holistic forms of legal practice? What are some of the obstacles to their receptivity?
- How many “spiritually oriented” or “holistic” courses are presently offered in ABA accredited law schools? What are the major barriers to the incorporation of these perspectives into the curriculum of ABA accredited law schools? Is there a greater presence in non-ABA accredited law schools?
- Do these courses make a significant difference in the quality of legal education received by law students? How should quality be measured?
- In what specific ways do judges utilize their spiritual resources in carrying out their responsibilities? Is this appropriate?
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive of the various areas and questions that need to be explored. Please feel free to add additional question that should constitute the future agenda for researchers and practitioners who are interested in exploring the connections between spirituality and the practice of law.
