In August 1989, the Miami Circuit Court implemented a special drug court for the purpose of providing more effective supervision for defendants awaiting adjudication on drug possession charges. Since then, the notion of a specialized drug court has evolved into a structure of over 1,300 drug court programs nationwide. The article provides a description of the drug court process and compares it with the traditional adjudication process. Next, a review of the research literature on the effectiveness of drug courts is presented and directions for future research are provided. The article goes on to analyze the way in which drug courts have affected other areas within the United States justice system, such as within juvenile and family justice matters. Finally, the author outlines critical issues that should be addressed within the drug court model, such as the need to develop a formal system of aftercare to support participants after the program has ended. Continuing assessment and evaluation will be critical to the success of drug courts. Tables, bibliography