Jan Taylor

Drug Court Observations

Many citizens’ ideas of courtroom behavior are shaped largely by the entertainment industry, because this image is more frequently viewed than a real-time version. But even within the realm of reality, there are significant variations. Most courtrooms are quite formal, with specific etiquette defining behaviors and opportunities. Justice is served routinely and rather hurriedly in many cases. Long trials with attorneys and juries are more individualized, if not more personal. Blount County Drug court is quite the exception. A casual, but orderly atmosphere prevails as the judge addresses each client in turn.

Robe clad Judge Thomas presides with a paternal mix of compassion and consequences. Outfitted in professional attire, the treatment team, probation officer, and district attorney occupy the juror chairs. This group is not present to render a verdict, but rather to update Judge Thomas when details are overlooked, to observe interactions between the client and judge so as to verify compliance, and to applaud – literally - worthy successes along the road to recovery. At the defense attorney’s table, Mr. Garner listens for correct procedure and extends a hand of congratulations when good news is reported. Interestingly, clerks and court officer seem a bit bored by it all.

Most of the clients enter the courtroom relaxed and chatty, casually dressed and clean. These are the senior participants, confident with their newfound abilities and their progress in the program. Others, attending for the first time or preparing to answer for infractions, take their seats quickly and sit in a discontented or frightened manner. Incarcerated clients appear in jailhouse stripes, sitting away from the client group in a corner of the juror’s area. The range of expressions worn by the client group supports Ms. Irwin’s assertion that coming to terms with addiction is no fair frolic, and most clients experience many ups and downs along the way.

The Drug Court program is comprehensive in the lives of the clients. Treatment includes individual counseling, group therapy, a twelve-step personal growth plan, and specific instructional time, which involves art therapy, stress and anger management, and family night programs. The judicial system provides discipline through drug testing, probation requirements, short-term incarceration and/or mandatory supervised housing arrangements, service hours, and regular court attendance.

As Judge Thomas interviews and calls to accountability each client, a variety of problems are addressed. Unemployment, dishonesty, family dysfunction, educational challenges, debt, relapse, and scheduling conflicts make up a partial list. Each individual brings a unique set of challenges to the program. Whereas common elements abound, standard sanctions define many program responses to infraction. But the treatment team and Judge Thomas spend time reviewing each individual case and include client-specific responses also. This model of individualized social control engages maximum potential for rehabilitation and personal growth for the clients.

Selective admission requirements allow the professionals in the Blount County Drug Court program to invest in the lives of their clients with reasonable expectation of success. The team approach combines disciplinary, healing, and instructional elements in a supportive, rather than intimidating, environment. This blend of social care, social control, and rehabilitation define therapeutic jurisprudence.

While news reports of drug-related crime make us aware of dangers and may persuade us to exercise caution in our personal lives, we also may feel fearful that our society cannot address these problems effectively. Witnessing a portion of this program up close and learning about the objectives and methods are a source of comfort that our local authorities are looking for long-term solutions, not just delivering short-term punitive responses to all who enter their area of responsibility. Indeed we may say that Judge Thomas considers his duties an area of concern. In twenty months, one graduate and many smaller successes indicate the potential of the program to help rebuild this community. A visit to this courtroom offers hope in the turbulent sea of disheartening statistics that might otherwise overwhelm even the most optimistic citizen.

September 25, 2000