New drug courts emerging across the country . . .

An M.D. in Maine seeks support for that state's sixth drug court in an op-ed piece published yesterday:

Studies have documented that specialty drug courts reduce crime and recidivism, increase public safety, increase sobriety and recovery among former defendants, and save money. Maine established its statewide system of drug courts in 2001 and operates five Drug Courts . . .

An Illinois county initiated its drug court last month, according to a news article also published yesterday:

In an effort to reduce the number of drug offenders finding their way back into its court system, Mason County is offering a newly developed process for substance abuse treatment to eligible offenders.

It's called drug court, and it is a collaborative effort among the offender and several key players in Mason County's judicial system aimed at permanent reduction in alcohol and drug related crime in Mason County.