What
are specialty courts? Problem-solving
courts (also known as specialty courts) focus on reduction in crime through addressing
the underlying problems that contribute to criminal behavior. Over the past 30 years, specialized courts have
been created in many shapes and sizes. Despite
the various types of special courts, these courts all use an interdisciplinary
team to adjudicate cases and seek to address the root causes of repeated unsafe
and criminal behavior. As an alternative
to incarceration, program participants receive case management and therapeutic
jurisprudence in an effort to reduce recidivism.
The 19th
Judicial District Court implemented its first specialty court, a drug court,
more than 25 years ago. Since that time
several specialized programs have become operational, and others are
developing. These include Pre-Trial Diversion
and Recovery Program; Recovery Court (Drug Court); Re-Entry Court; Veterans
Treatment Court; Domestic Violence Court Pilot; Retail Theft Diversion Pilot;
and Traffic Court.
This program will provide not only an
overview of the programs existing and developing at the 19th JDC,
but also a preliminary overview of the history and successes of specialty
courts throughout the country.
Who
should attend? Young
lawyers beginning their practice; criminal defense attorneys, district attorneys,
public defenders, general practitioners and others with an interest in the
topic.
Speakers: Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson, Judge Eboni Johnson Rose, Lisa Burns, April Landry, Judge William Jorden, Judge Kelly Balfour, Judge Ronald Johnson, Judge Tiffany Foxworth- Roberts, Judge Fred Crifasi, Judge Gail Ray, Genevieve Robichaux and Diana Gibbens
CLE Credit: 4.0 Hours