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.