Are Drug Courts in United States Successful in Reducing Drug Crime and Term Paper

Are Drug Courts in United States Successful in Reducing Drug Crime and Recidivism - Term Paper Example Drug related crime is a vital issue which leads to injustice and curtails socio-cultural and economic development in the society. Within this context, drug related crime in America curbs the development process of the society as a whole. When individuals indulge in drug related crimes, the best possible way to get rid of the same is rehabilitation and follow up programs. One can easily identify that severe punishment cannot reduce drug crime because the individuals who are indulged in drug related crimes is not aware of its seriousness. Within this context, the drug courts in United States play an important role in reducing drug crime and recidivism. Thesis statement: The innovative measures adopted by the drug courts in United States prove successful in reducing drug crimes and recidivism (special references to the measures adopted by the drug courts to reduce drug crime and recidivism). I. Brief introduction to drug crimes and drug courts in US As pointed out, drug abuse leads to a number of crimes but it is not the grass root level cause for crimes. In general, illegal drugs like crack-cocaine, morphine etc leads to a number of criminal acts within the society. Within this context, drug trafficking, production and distribution leads to increase in organized crime. Stimmel (1996) opines that â€Å"Among the most prominent social effects of both illicit and licit drug use is its relationship with crime† (p.13). When more and more individuals consider drug trafficking as an easy way to earn money, the problems related to the same show increase. From a different angle of view, the drug crimes in US are interconnected with lack of economic and social support to the needy (say, the victims of drug abuse). But the traditional mode of treatment provided to the defendants is insufficient to meet their needs because it is based on punishment and long time sentencing in prisons. But Goldberg (2009), opines that â€Å"In gene ral, people are in favor of treatment for drug abusers but do not want drug treatment centers in their neighborhoods† (p.299). Besides, the victims of drug abuse are not in need of sympathy. But effective treatment can help them to the re-enter the mainstream society without further problems in their personal and public domains. Within the context of drug crimes in US, the drug courts play an important role in reducing drug abuse related crimes. Franco (2010), states that â€Å"Drug courts were quickly adopted by communities and states struggling with the challenges that stemmed from the growing abuse and trafficking of illegal drugs† (p.5). The drug courts in US consist of number of committees, which help the offenders to have easy recovery. For instance, the judiciary, mental health department, social service organizations etc co-operate to help the offenders to be away from the clutches of drug abuse and crimes. The history of drug courts in US is interconnected with the drug court in Miami- Dade County, which was established in the year 1989. One can see that the primary aim of drug courts in US is to provide drug treatment services to the needy and to promote public safety. Besides, rehabilitation services and evaluation of the measures adopted to reduce drug related crimes are other functions of drug courts in US. Within this scenario, local support and community support are important for the smooth functioning of drug courts. In short, the drug courts aim to provide treatment facilities to the non-violent offenders and help them to re-enter the mainstream society. II. Measures taken by drug courts in reducing drug crime and recidivism First of all, the traditional legal processing in US was inefficient and inadequate to reduce drug crime and recidivism. For instance, the traditional legal processing system in US gave importance to punishment, not treatment for the victims. Within this context, treatment provided by the traditional system wa s effective, but high rate of dropping out reduced the