Pubdate: Mon, 01 Jul 2002
Source: Daily Advertiser, The (LA)
Copyright: 2002 South Louisiana Publishing
Contact:  http://www.theadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1670

EDWARDS DESERVES HONORS PAID BY DRUG COURT GROUP

Issue: Tribute paid to Jules Edwards, chief judge of the 15th Judicial 
District.

We Suggest: He has played a major role in making the drug courts successful.

A recent tribute paid to Jules Edwards, chief judge of the 15th Judicial 
District, by the Association of Drug Court Professionals was well deserved. 
Edwards presides over the highly productive drug court and has developed 
innovative procedures to enhance its effectiveness.

The drug court, which Edwards helped to establish in this district, has 
been a major asset in reducing crime and recidivism.

It makes more sense for offenders with alcoholism and drug addiction 
problems to be treated with drug-court intervention programs than to 
continue swelling our immense prison population. Drug courts have reported 
that up to 80 percent of the offenders treated have stayed out of trouble 
after treatment. The 25 drug courts around the state saved the state almost 
$30 million over the cost of incarcerating the 2,300 program participants 
in the past two years. Costs related to victimization, theft, public 
assistance and medical claims are also affected.

We join in saluting Edwards for his leadership in establishing, developing 
and presiding over the program.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart