The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 7/6/8
While The Clarion-Ledger editors would frown on my leaving a large open space on their editorial pages, I believe that this statement does, in fact, succinctly sum up the case for drug courts.
For those unfamiliar with drug courts, they are special courts given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-using offenders through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives. Drug courts rely upon the daily communication and cooperation of judges, court personnel, probation and treatment providers.
They are relatively new to the Mississippi criminal justice system, with the first felony drug court being implemented by former Circuit Court Judge and current U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett in 1999. Judge Starrett is considered by most to be the pioneer of Mississippi drug courts.
