NCJ Number
155429
Date Published
1993
Length
69 pages
Annotation
The drug courts (N Part) established in Manhattan, New York City was analyzed to determine how they operate in practice, clarify the factors and decision processes that operate to enable the quick resolution of cases, to determine why cases are or are not disposed in these courts, and to determine their long-term impacts on felony drug base processing.
Abstract
The analysis focused on a random sample of 5,983 N-Part and non-N-Part cases during 1989. Results provided encouragement regarding some of the benefits of these courts. Substantial cost savings were achieved compared to standard case processing methods, with no detrimental effects on public safety. The average processing cost was one-tenth that of regular cases. Analyses of recidivism patterns indicated little difference in the overall probability of rearrest or in reconviction and reincarceration rates between the two groups of defendants. In addition, for some types of cases, N-Part processing seemed to delay rearrest. Findings suggested that special drug courts can offer a cost-effective way to adjudicate felony drug offenders. Figures, tables, and appended annotated bibliography and methodological information