Specialized Courts

Directions,
Use any scholarly references and the following link (https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/problem-solving-courts) to complete the prompt(s) listed below. The order must adhere to APA format, the initial response MUST be at least 250 words, and it MUST also include a 150-word response to EACH of the student’s posts. These responses should add to the conversation and not critique the student’s writing, grammar, or structure (stick to the facts). Also, try to compare their work to yours when possible.

Prompt(s),
Describe two specialized courts and explain why or why not you think they will help with court congestion and recidivism.

Student posts,
Kaitlyn
Specialized courts focus on certain problems. One example of specialized courts could be domestic violence courts. These courts primary focus is on violence cases. Domestic violence cases normally involve spouses or other kinds of partners. “By specializing in domestic violence offenses, these courts aim to process cases more efficiently and deliver more consistent rulings about domestic violence statutes” (NIJ). I think these cases would help the court with congestion and recidivism because they are trying to target these people and help them in their situation and prevent it from happening again. Another specialized court that I also think helps the court with congestion and recidivism is drug courts because the goal is the same for the court. “The aim is to place nonviolent first offenders into intensive treatment programs rather than in jail or prison” (Siegel & Worrall, 2018, p 336). These court systems try to provide the person with treatment like rehab centers to help the person get off drugs, instead of putting them in a jail. “Today, there are nearly 3,000 drug courts across the United States… Drug courts provide ideal setting to address these problems by linking the justice system with health services and drug treatment providers…” (Siegel & Worrall, 2018, p 336).
I think these two specialized courts are important for the people needing help in these types of situations. In cases in domestic violence, normally one person needs anger management or some kind of balance in their life, which can be provided by the court. In drug abuse cases, people need a rehab in order to get off the drugs, throwing them in jail isn’t necessary helping them.

Ashley
Specialized courts are intended to come to a quick resolution that focuses on a precise crime. Being that specialized courts operate on specific cases, they are able to treat the crime based on the individual’s needs (Siegel & Worrall, 2018, p 336).
In our local communities, drug abuse is one of the leading reasons that our local jails are so overcrowded. I would bet that almost every person you know (including yourself) has been affected by someone in their family or someone close to them from the use of drugs. Having specialized drug courts provides a direct link with the judicial system and health services/treatment providers helping those with substance abuse. The ability in having these facilities helps to keep the jails more open so that the first time offenders get the help they need as well as providing help to those repeat offenders who are not necessarily dangerous. While I do believe there are cases of abusing drugs (alcohol included) that warrant people behind bars because of the harm they put innocent people’s lives at risk, most are only hurting themselves with this behavior.
Domestic violence court is another specialized court that seeks out alternate sentencing options other than jail time with treatment providers (Siegel & Worrall, 2018, p 337). I have an adverse opinion on this one. I do think it should be in the specialized court system but only because the situations need to be addressed sooner rather than later. I do not agree on letting these “monsters” meander around who are at a high risk of committing the same crime again and often times worse than the first round that landed them in trouble. Those that are being charged with domestic violence are a threat to others and should not be allowed the freedom to inflict harm again and again.