Taking Problem-Solving Courts to Scale: Diverse Applications of the Specialty Court Model

by Eileen M. Ahlin (Contributor), Anne S. Douds (Editor), Cassandra Atkin-Plunk (Contributor)

In the more than 30 years since the drug court model transformed the criminal justice landscape, problem-solving courts have expanded their reach beyond criminogenic needs. They now address demographic similarities (e.g., veterans courts, tribal wellness courts, community courts) and offense characteristics (e.g., prostitution courts, sex offender courts). The rapid expansion of problem-solving courts to meet many different individuals suggests this template is appropriate and adaptable to just about any categorical characteristic. This book calls on problem-solving court experts to offer a fresh perspective on the evolving discourse on these courts' proliferation. Contributors describe diverse applications of the problem-solving court model while critically appraising these niche courts' evidence. This book provides a comprehensive account to date of how problem-solving courts are continuing to revolutionize justice. This collective body of work strengthens our understanding of their placement in the throes of a call for meaningful criminal justice reform.Taking Problem-Solving Courts to Scale is presented in three sections to address specialty courts focused on criminogenic needs, individual characteristics, and offense characteristics. At the outset of each section, the editors describe the courts' purpose falling under these broad categories and highlight key elements from the chapters falling within.

About the author

Eileen Michelle Ahlin

Reviews

[Kyle Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a masters level class and usually I don't review these text books. However, I found this one to be very well written and give a pretty fair accounting of the facts. There was no identifiable political bias and was on topic the entire time. The questions that are raised are not always answered, but the point of this book is not to prove a point, but to get the reader to research further into the different problem-solving courts that operate in our criminal justice system.