NCJ Number
148796
Date Published
1994
Length
107 pages
Annotation
This compilation summarizes the various approaches courts are using to manage drug-related caseloads and to promote treatment intervention and rehabilitation of drug-dependent defendants.
Abstract
Most courts are operating under the concept of Differentiated Case Management (DCM), based on the recognition that cases should be handled on an individualized basis. DCM is intended to maximize judicial system resources by varying their allocation to different classes of cases, based on their management needs and the degree of judicial supervision required for resolution. Management-focused approaches built upon delay reduction techniques involve early and continuous court management in monitoring, early entry of defense counsel, assignment of senior prosecutors and public defenders for case screening, and redesign of the case process to ensure that each event contributes to the disposition process. State courts that incorporate drug treatment into the adjudication process, known as "drug courts," feature a nonadversarial type of proceeding, in which the judge motivates the defendant to participate in a complete a prescribed treatment program. Descriptions of representative local drug case management and treatment programs are included in this report.