NEW LAWS - CREATION OF DRUG COURTS LEADS LIST

Among the new laws taking effect with the state's fiscal year that began
Tuesday is creation of Drug Courts, that with nurturing could become a
major deterrent to crime.

The bill, approved by the 2003 Legislature, sets up special venues for
first-time drug offenders.

The courts allow treatment instead of incarceration, though a quick ticket
to prison awaits those who don't successfully complete this alternate
sentencing program.

The main consideration for lawmakers facing an election year (terrified of
being seen as "soft on crime") was cost, given the state's tight finances.
The bill was boosted when State Auditor Phil Bryant calculated that just
500 participants could save the state up to $5.4 million annually.

So how does this fight crime? The amount of crime fueled by drug and
alcohol addiction is incalculable. Offenses range from drug dealers selling
dope to finance their own addiction, to addicts stealing to do the same, to
crimes involving murder, rape, robbery, as lives spin out of control.

It includes various juvenile delinquencies, including funneling kids into a
life of crime; prostitution, child neglect and abandonment; spousal abuse,
financial crimes, not to mention loss of personal, family and societal
accountability.

Drugs and alcohol are believed involved in more than 70 percent of crimes.
At least a third of the prison population - 6,000 or more - is serving time
involving such abuse.

The law, also, if effective, will help reduce the work load on - and cost
of - courts, police and social services.

In short: this law, over time, could immeasurably help individuals and
society. That's not being "soft" on crime.