NCJ Number
246581
Date Published
2013
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This summary of the 2012 report of the Indiana judicial system focuses on two of its activities: the use of problem-solving courts and the installation of an electronic method of providing accurate sentencing information to the Department of Correction.
Abstract
Problem-solving courts hear the cases of specific types of defendants and offenses. In 2010, the Indiana General Assembly authorized the certification of all problem-solving court models. These include drug courts, family dependency drug courts, domestic violence courts, mental health courts, community courts, reentry courts, and veterans' courts. These courts have special dockets tailored to specific types of offenses or defendants. They are characterized by judge-monitored dispositions that provide programs tailored to the particular criminogenic needs of the offender. Problem-solving courts have proven effective in changing the criminal behaviors at issue and in meeting the special needs of specific types of offenders. This report singles out reentry courts as being particularly effective in monitoring and guiding the reintegration into the community of ex-inmates. The second featured event of the report is the court system's adoption of an electronic uniform Abstract of Judgment system that provides the Department of Corrections comprehensive, timely, and accurate information about the offenders convicted of felonies. In 2012, this was achieved in conjunction with a comprehensive legislative initiative for developing a data-driven criminal justice policy framework. This summary report also provides data on the caseloads of the various State courts, probation services, and the court system's budget.