What are some of the major differences between drug courts and the traditional court approach to drug offenses?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The drug court philosophy focuses on rehabilitation rather than retribution. Many drug courts have implemented very innovative treatment options. In a drug court, the level of supervision is generally much higher than in a traditional court. Treatment is mandatory for an offender who has gone through drug court. Treatment may not even be a part of the more traditional approach to drug crimes. The best drug courts in the country focus on long-term recovery and the person as a whole. In the traditional courtroom the approach is very adversarial. Often, the prosecution presents a plea bargain that is accepted by the defendant. In a drug court, everyone works together. Not only are the judge, attorneys, and the defendant present, but, very often, there will be a therapist involved in the process. Drug courts boast two key benefits over the traditional system: lower recidivism rates and lower cost. Overall, the recidivism rate for an offender who has been through a drug court is lower than that of offenders who have been charged with drug offenses through the traditional system. The cost savings is dramatic. An incarcerated offender can cost a state anywhere from $35,000-$70,000 per year to house. The cost of an offender going through a drug court is about $5,000.