Publications

This chapter examines the introduction and expansion of drug courts and the key features of their structure and operation, locating the more recent development of drug courts in the United Kingdom in an international context. Drawing upon process and outcome evaluations, the operation of drug courts in England and Wales and in Scotland is compared and contrasted and emerging findings related to the wider international literature, with a particular emphasis upon operational barriers and concerns.  The chapter also examines the evidence regarding the capacity of Drug Courts to impact upon drug use and drug-related crime and identifies the features of Drug Courts that appear to be important in this respect.