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Drug Courts: Philosophy, Role and Short History

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Drug courts are a relatively new phenomenon in the American judicial system. Define and discuss briefly the philosophy, role, and short history of drug courts. Does the state in which you reside utilize drug courts, and if so, how successful have they been in reducing recidivism rates? Would you in turn recommend that all of the states utilize these courts to assist in processing drug cases? Support your viewpoints from your readings and other appropriate outside sources.

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Solution Summary

This solution contains a brief description of the philosophy behind drug courts as well as the role and short history of drug courts in the American judicial system. It also discusses its success rate of reducing recidivism rates and if all the states should utilize these courts to assist in processing drug cases. Supplemented with an article on the efficiency of drug courts.

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1. Drug courts are a relatively new phenomenon in the American judicial system. Define and discuss briefly the philosophy, role, and short history of drug courts.

Drug courts are specialized courts designed to handle cases involving offenders who abuse addictive substances. The team includes the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, mental health, social service, and treatment communities, who work together to break the cycle of addiction. Specifically, "Drug courts offer offenders charged with less-serious crimes of being under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, or even drug-using offenders charged with a non-drug related crime the option of entering the drug court system in lieu of serving a jail sentence. Offenders (ages 14-19 years old) have to plead guilty to the charge, agree to take part in treatment, regular drug screenings, and regular reporting to the drug court judge for a minimum of one year. Should the offender fail to comply with one or more of the requirements they may be removed from the drug court and incarcerated at the judge's discretion. If they complete the drug court program the charges brought against them are dropped" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_court).

That is, Drug Court requires regular meetings with a probation officer, participation in self-help programs, drug treatment, counseling, UA tests, and regular court appearances. Upon successful completion of Drug Court, all charges are dismissed and the minor's ...

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