Pubdate: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)
Copyright: 2000 Columbia Daily Tribune
Contact:  101 North 4th Street, P.O. Box 798 Columbia, MO 65205
Feedback: http://www.showmenews.com/forms/formletter.htm
Website: http://www.showmenews.com/
Author: Name withheld upon request

DRUG COURT STRIPPED OF ITS ORIGINAL INTENT

Editor, the Tribune:

An article in the Tribune on Dec. 13 about the Boone County Drug Court
stated that it was an alternative to prosecution and that defendants who
successfully complete the program thus avoid prosecution and the threat of a
criminal record.

In fact, that was the original purpose of drug court, but it has changed
radically in recent months.

Now a large portion, perhaps the majority, of the people ordered to
participate in drug court also get prosecuted.

The program has changed from an alternative to prosecution to becoming
simply an additional burden of prosecution.

This is a mistake.

The original intent of the program has been defeated. Now drug court is
often ordered as a condition of probation, and failure to complete the
program results in immediate imprisonment.

Drug court started out as a good idea. It should be returned to its original
purpose.

Name withheld upon request
- ---
MAP posted-by: Don Beck