Pubdate: Wed, 23 Oct 2002
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2002, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Tracy Dash

PITTMAN WANTS STATE TO CREATE DRUG COURTS

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin L. Pittman plans to ask the 
state Legislature in January to create regional drug courts that give drug 
abusers an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves instead of going to prison.

Pittman called for a statewide drug program Monday at a graduation ceremony 
for the 14th Circuit Court District Drug Court in Pike County. Twenty-five 
people graduated to phase three of a four-part program, while 16 people 
graduated to phase four.

Pittman praised the program, which was created in February 1999 by Circuit 
Judge Keith Starrett, saying drug courts save lives and money.

"We've saved probably $1 million in incarceration costs because instead of 
jail, you get the opportunity to save yourselves," Pittman said.

Starrett presides over cases in Pike, Lincoln and Walthall counties.

Circuit Judge Kathy King Jackson of Pascagoula is working to create a drug 
court in George and Greene counties. She plans to model her drug court 
after Starrett's program.
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