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Early Drug Courts: Case Studies in Judicial Innovation

NCJ Number
179569
Editor(s)
W. Clinton Terry III
Date Published
1999
Length
202 pages
Annotation
This volume describes dedicated drug treatment courts in five locations.
Abstract
The first drug courts sought to do more than simply process criminal cases generated by addiction; they sought to change behavior and restore individuals to a productive role in society. Traditional courts, funders, and policy makers were hostile to the idea that drug-involved clients needed assistance in the courtroom for social service needs such as a decent job, housing or education. However, the drug courts persevered, and what was seen 10 years ago as a radical approach to addiction within the criminal justice system can now be seen as the first significant step toward change. The seven essays in this volume discuss judicial change and challenges for research and innovation, and describe drug court models and their operation in five different locations. Notes, references, figures, tables, index