Pubdate: Tue, 18 Apr 2000
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Telegraph Group Limited
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Author: Nick Britten, Scotland Political Correspondent

NEW YORK DRUG COURTS MAY COME TO SCOTLAND

THE introduction of American-style drugs courts in Scotland moved a step 
closer yesterday after a fact-finding mission by Government ministers.

Angus MacKay, the Scottish drugs minister, said he was impressed by the 
effect the courts had in tackling New York's rising level of drugs-related 
crime and was optimistic that a similar system could be introduced in 
Scotland. His remarks followed a visit yesterday to a drugs court in 
Queens, New York, that has helped halve drugs crime in the city. Mr MacKay 
said: "It is certainly something we will investigate further."

A United Nations report on drugs control published yesterday said that the 
courts, which would not require special legislation in Scotland, were a key 
way forward in reducing crime. It warns, however, that there can be no half 
measures and courts should be given powers to order treatment and 
rehabilitation with prison used as a sanction for offenders who drop out of 
the programmes.

It also recommended that the courts stick to dealing with non-violent 
offenders accused of solely drugs-related crime. Andrew Wells, the senior 
adviser to the working group behind the report, said: "The basic message is 
don't give up because so many people say, 'What's the point? Let's just 
legalise it'. Drug courts are an excellent example of best practice that 
does work."
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