Drug treatment courts and the disease paradigm.
A defining feature of the drug treatment court movement is the judicial adoption of the disease model for explaining drug using behavior; an interpretive paradigm that historically has not played a defining role in the adjudication of drug offenders. In drug treatment courts, however, the disease model finds a very central place in the adjudicative process, and profoundly shapes the way judges view and treat defendants. This article examines the application of the disease model to drug and non-drug-related crimes in the context of drug treatment courts, and considers the significance of these developments as it concerns the meaning of criminal justice.
Nolan
James L
JL
Williams College, Stetson Hall, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA. jnolan@williams.edu
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003415:Crime / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003416:Criminal Law; D006801:Humans; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012649:Self Concept; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D013808:Therapeutic Community; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States