Drug Courts and the Challenges of Criminal Justice System Reform
Author: Marsha Weissman.
Source: Volume 06, Number 03, September/October 2002 , pp.33-37(5)

next article > |return to table of contents
Abstract:
Throughout the United States, urban, suburban and rural jurisdictions have established special “drug courts” to deal with non-violent criminal offenses associated with substance abuse or drug addiction. However, unlike other court reforms, the purpose of drug courts is to link criminal justice processes to drug treatment to promote recovery from drug addiction. Drug courts assume responsibility not just for the adjudication and sentencing of drug offenders, but also for their rehabilitation. In this article, Weissman explains the components of the drug court system and ponders the challenges that the system does or might face.Keywords: drug court
Affiliations:
1: Center for Community Alternatives, Inc..