The purpose of each key component is explained, followed by several performance benchmarks that provide guidance for implementing each key component. Drug courts offer a choice for individuals whose criminal justice involvement stems from alcohol or other drug use. The court mandates and monitors participation in treatment. In exchange for successful completion of the treatment program, the court may dismiss the original charge, reduce or set aside a sentence, offer some lesser penalty, or offer a combination of these. One key component is the integration of alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing, and a second component is to use a nonadversarial approach; prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights. A third key component is the early identification of eligible participants and prompt placement in the drug court program. Fourth, drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services; abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing. A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants' compliance, and ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness; and continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations. Finally, forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court effectiveness. Appended list of Drug Court Standards Committee members and a 24-item resource list