Drug Courts - just the beginning
The article "addresses punitive policies toward substance abusers currently applied in a few of the most salient areas of public policy, unconnected with the criminal justice system" (Cooper, 2007, pg. 244). The author focuses on the development of drug courts as a positive shift away from prior harsh treatment towards substance abusers. Drug courts take a more therapeutic and rehabilitative approach to sentencing. The author objects to the repercussions of being convicted of a drug offense resulting in ineligibility for public benefits. Additionally, there is the question of whether a felony drug offense really merits a loss of individual rights, such as voting.
On a personal level, I enjoyed this article because I view substance abuse as a social problem rather than a criminal problem. The article states that, in reference to substance abuse, "is a chronic, relapsing physiological condition" (Cooper, 2007, pg. 245). In my opinion, the method utilized by drug courts fits into the "problem solving" model of justice. While I agree with the article's general theme, I am not personally sympathetic toward drug offenders not being able to receive public benefits. I would like to see individual rights restored for individuals convicted of a nonviolent felony.
Class, what do you think about the repercussions regarding criminal convictions? Are they counterproductive to rehabilitation and reintegration?
Reference
Cooper, C. S. (2007). Drug Courts - just the beginning: Getting other areas of public policy in sync. Substance Abuse and Misuse, 42(2-3), 243. Retrieved from https://web.b.ebscohost.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=691b120b-5cf4-41a8-9979-d67c32da99ec%40sessionmgr115&vid=1&hid=