Pubdate: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 Source: Tennessean, The (TN) Copyright: 2004 The Tennessean Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) STRIDES IN A DRUG COURT Courts are beginning to see the advantages of rehabilitation in drug cases rather than hard time in jail, and Nashville is on the front end of that progressive movement. The drug court in Davidson County General Sessions court turned a year old last week, and the program appears to be on sound footing. It is still too early to count graduates, since the program takes 12 to 18 months to complete, but the court is already finding cases where people see the potential in the system to rid themselves of drug habits. There are 66 people in the program. The drug court should not be confused with the Davidson County Criminal Court drug rehab system implemented by Judge Seth Norman in 1997. Norman's court has drawn national attention, and it's fair to say Norman's efforts helped pave the way for similar projects in Davidson County. General Sessions Judge Casey Moreland presides over the new drug court and has been a strong advocate of resources to implement drug rehab and mental health services. In the long run, such approaches save money. Many people who come before judges on non-violent offenses have substance abuse problems that they would love to break. The court offers that opportunity, but it also makes clear it will be tough on the offenders. Participants in the program are monitored, are required to work, and must meet a 7 p.m. curfew. Some offenders admit they can't live up to the demands and pass on the opportunity to participate. Local courts throughout the nation are beginning to see the folly of policies meant to crack down on drug addiction by throwing people in jail. Yet programs that help offenders break their addictions help reduce crime and reduce recidivism. The General Sessions drug court is good for Nashville. Those involved in it deserve the public's support. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake