DRUG COURT WORTH EMULATING

It's not surprising that Nashville's drug court would catch the attention
of the White House and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

As it celebrates its fifth graduation, the court started by Davidson County
Criminal Court Judge Seth Norman has been a model for Tennessee and other
states, and a godsend to drug users and their families. The court has even
provided the model for its own expansion: a women's facility for up to 30
followed the facility for 60 men.

Scott Burns, the deputy director for state and local affairs at the Office
of National Drug Control Policy, recently came to praise the facility and
to probe for answers as the White House embarks on its drug control
strategy. Burns spoke at the graduation ceremonies.

The Bush administration battled initial perceptions that it preferred
incarceration over treatment by unveiling a plan in February to increase
spending on drug treatment and research. Drug courts will be among the main
beneficiaries with nearly $52 million to be spent, but Burns said the
president wants to ensure the money is used wisely.

Nashville's experience certainly argues for treatment. A 15% recidivism
rate tells only part of the benefit from drug court. It takes drugs out of
the crime equation by reducing the numbers of those who have to steal or
rob to get money for a fix. By connecting wellness to work, it allows drug
users to seek employment as part of the process of getting better. That in
turn helps families to regain a breadwinner and communities to use jail
cells for violent criminals.

In the national fight against drugs, such courts provide ample ammunition:
They fight the problem at its core of addiction. National recognition for
the drug court is wonderful. National enthusiasm like Norman's and those
who participate would be even better.