In 2007, NACDL established a Problem-Solving Courts Task Force to examine the operations of courts such as drug and mental health courts. The Task Force was charged with conducting a thorough analysis of these courts, specifically focusing upon the ethical implications for the defense bar and the constitutional implications for society at large. The culmination of this project is a comprehensive report and recommendations that for the first time provide the perspective of the nation’s criminal defense bar. [Released September 2009]

President Lisa Wayne's letter to Representative Russ Carnahan regarding the use of criminal charges for those who need substance abuse treatment, as addressed in the Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 2012 (H.R. 5711).

President Cynthia Hujar Orr's letter to Rep. Russ Carnahan regarding Universal Access to Methamphetamine Treatment Act of 2010 (H.R. 5678).

President Jim Lavine's letter to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism regarding the use of drug courts as an alternative to criminal charges and consequences.

Problem-solving courts focus attention and resources on specific crimes and criminal behaviors, as well as the root causes of such behaviors. Examples of such courts include drug courts, mental health courts, and domestic violence courts. With over 2,000 existing problem-solving courts in the United States and the prospect of jurisdictions utilizing this model’s practices and principles in conventional courtrooms, the need to study and understand how these courts function and their overall impact on the criminal justice system has become manifest.

Problem-solving courts focus attention and resources on specific crimes and criminal behaviors, as well as the root causes of such behaviors. Examples of such courts include drug courts, mental health courts, and domestic violence courts. With over 2,000 existing problem-solving courts in the United States and the prospect of jurisdictions utilizing this model’s practices and principles in conventional courtrooms, the need to study and understand how these courts function and their overall impact on the criminal justice system has become manifest.

Problem-solving courts survey

Transcript from the hearings in seven cities hosted by the NACDL Problem-Solving Task Force.

The ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct (CJC), Rule 2.11: Disqualification, provides: “A judge shall disqualify himself or herself in any proceeding in which the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned. …”¹