Drug courts have become a critical component of the criminal justice system, aiming to address substance abuse issues among offenders. This paper delves into the effectiveness of drug courts, specifically comparing their outcomes between juveniles and adults. While existing research has shed light on the positive impact of drug courts on reducing recidivism rates (Smith et al., 2019), recent studies by Jones and Martinez (2021) have presented valuable insights into the nuances of drug court outcomes among juveniles and adults.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the key differences in the implementation and outcomes of drug court programs for these two distinct populations. By examining the latest peer-reviewed literature, we aim to provide a holistic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of drug courts in the context of juvenile and adult offenders.