| This paper recounts the development of drug courts in the United States and the difficulties faced by these drug courts. Since 1989, drug treatment courts have grown into an important part of the criminal justice system. To ensure success, modern drug courts must develop programs that address and treat the full range of problems experienced by participants---not just drug addiction. As drug courts became more prevalent, protocols and best practices were developed to ensure participants receive adequate support and education.;After discussing the development and best practices of drug treatment courts, this paper presents a study of the Bexar County Drug Treatment Court. The analysis tracks 100 individuals who participated in the Drug Treatment Court and 100 who did not, all of whom were in Bexar County Court Number 1. This study found that participation in the Bexar County Drug Treatment Court effectively reduced recidivism rates. |
