Interviews were conducted with program directors and court liaison personnel. All programs had established a court linkage, but the programs differed considerably in training and function of the court liaison, frequency of referrals, sentencing patterns, accountability to the court, and court-ordered fees. The diversity is the result of two factors. First, MDVT programs originated at the grass roots level with few guidelines and scant literature upon which to model their programs. Agencies often began the court component without knowing the process, politics, and coordination involved. A second factor in the diversity of court linkage arrangements is the variation in attitudes and predilections of district attorneys and district court judges. Members of the court system value their ability to use discretion in handling their cases, thus reducing the use of systematic procedures in handling domestic violence cases. Judges also differ in attitude toward MDVT. Recommendations for MDVT programs focused on community and court education, program evaluation, liaison training, and the need for data collection concerning sentencing patterns in spouse abuse cases. 15 references. (Author abstract modified)