Aug 7/Orange, CA + Web: Specialty Courts in Criminal Justice

Title:

Specialty Courts in Criminal Justice: Challenges and Opportunities
A Legal Symposium

Sponsor:

Chapman Journal of Criminal Justice

Date/Time/Place:
August 7, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California

Webcast (not approved for credit): www.chapman.edu/law

Approved for MCLE credit:

California (webcast not approved for credit)

Brochure (PDF)

Description:
In recent years, so-called “specialty courts” or “problem-solving courts” have emerged in the criminal justice system across the United States, with California leading the way. Most notable and widespread are drug courts, DUI courts, mental health courts, and domestic violence courts. These courts provide an alternative forum to the traditional criminal court for adjudicating certain kinds of cases, often having different plea bargaining, adjudication, and sentencing procedures. With the increasing recognition that substance abuse, mental health problems, and other psychological or family problems often play an important contributing role in
offending and recidivism, these courts are designed to address not only the criminal charges but also the underlying risk factors that contribute to the cycle of offending.

Yet the wisdom and efficacy of these courts is hotly contested.Proponents argue that they provide the specialized expertise and services necessary to prevent recidivism among the populations they serve, that empirical studies demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing recidivism, and that they hold offenders accountable while ensuring that they receive services tailored to their individual needs. Opponents argue that they deprive defendants of due process, fail to adequately punish or deliver justice to victims of crime, waste valuable court resources, or that they inappropriately transform courts into social service agencies.

Bringing together leading scholars, judges, and practitioners from legal and social science disciplines, this symposium explores the unique challenges and opportunities posed – for judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys – by the new specialty courts.

For More Information:

Brochure (PDF)