| One of the current options for drug users with criminal charges is a referral to drug court. Drug court judges seek to ensure client compliance with drug court rules and mandated treatment through a series of rewards and graduated sanctions. It is believed that treatment compliance, and length of time in treatment, results in drug addicts who are successful in abstaining from drugs. This study examines what impact, if any judicial orientation has on client success in drug court. Judicial orientation is identified by specific policies and procedures that each court has incorporated into their court and implemented through the judge's orders while on the bench. Through the theoretical framework of social construction of the law, data from drug courts including, court observation and staff interviews, is examined to provide a more contextual understanding of how drug court judges can impact client success. |
