This author provides a background review of drug treatment courts' evolution and follows with a review of drug treatment court research. It is noted that national and local interest in drug treatment courts has grown since the first program was established in Miami, Florida, in 1989. As of May 2001, there were 688 operational drug treatment courts and 432 in various stages of planning in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice provides approximately $50 million a year to fund the planning and implementation of drug treatment courts. However, it is noted that even with this support and the overall popularity of the program, little rigorous empirical research has been done on the operations, impacts, and economic impacts of drug treatment courts. Organizational challenges and scientific challenges to doing this research are described. Suggestions offered for improving and expanding drug treatment courts research are discussed under topic headings such as research frameworks, management information system issues, research and policymaker partnerships, analytical issues, and improving comparative data. In conclusion, recommendations are provided for improving the scope and rigor of drug treatment courts research. A source list of references is provided.