Assignment:
Specialty courts (sometimes called problem solving courts) function in certain jurisdictions to help alleviate the criminal and civil courts caseloads by focusing intensely on one type of issue. Examples of specialty courts include: Juvenile, drug/substance abuse, teen, veterans, family, domestic violence courts, etc.
Before completing this assignment:
1. Read the ‘Overview of Specialty Courts' article (posted on D2L).
2. Read the section in your class text on problem-solving courts (pg. 112-119).
3. Decide which TYPE of specialty court you would like to focus on for your report (examples included in the lecture, article, and below).
Here's a few helpful links as well:
https://www.nij.gov/topics/courts/Pages/welcome.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/cjc/specialtycourts/Pages/SpecialtyCourtsMap.aspx
In writing your paper, you may use the material we read in class and course lectures. In addition, you should find at least 1 outside, additional article from an academic journal to help support your paper. Note: Academic journals articles are not newspaper or blog articles. I
am happy to help you find articles. Information regarding how to find academic articles is included at the bottom of this document (I recommend using the library's website).
For this assignment, please submit a report that considers the following questions (and more if you find something relevant).
Part A) Explain the role of specialty courts
• Explain the history of specialty courts.
• Why do these courts function?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of specialty courts?
*This section can be specific to the type of specialty court your chose, or broad in discussing specialty courts in general.
Part B) Analysis of the TYPE of specialty court (e.g., drug, veterans, etc.)
• What are the goals of this court?
• Why is it important to look at this population or issue separately?
• Explain how this court typically functions.
• Explain the history of this court system.
• Is there an eligibility criterion for this court? If so, what is it?
• Has this type of court been evaluated, if so, what are the conclusions?
Note: Use your outside, academic article to help you address these questions. I do not expect that you will have answers to all of these questions, but be thorough in your analysis.
Part C) What did you learn?
Think of this section as a self-reflection. In this section include a thorough, and thoughtful, analysis of what you learned in completing this assignment. About specialty courts? What do you think specialty courts contribute to the overall legal system? In addition, what do you still
have questions about? Make sure to write in a professional tone.
Readings:
Overview Of Specialized Courts
By Markus B. Zimmer