Research Project

This project aims to dissect the structure and function of drug courts and the transition from mandatory treatment compliance to inherent motivation on behalf of the drug court participant, using the Brooklyn Treatment Court as an exploratory case study. Using qualitative data composed of courtroom observations and interviews with current and former Brooklyn Treatment Court professionals, this study highlights the complexity of substance use disorder (SUD), the pervasive stigma surrounding it, and potential reforms to current drug court practices. The combination of observational and interview data underscores the need to reintroduce compassion into the criminal justice system—one that allows for a more comprehensive approach to addressing SUDs through a dual public health and criminal justice lens. The findings of this study illuminate the features of treatment courts that serve to improve self-esteem and motivation within the client. These inherently developed traits act as driving forces that improve self-perception and support community reintegration, promoting healthy habits while maintaining sobriety. The acquired and interpreted data can serve as a foundation for future quantitative and qualitative research that explores client motivation through surveys, as well as drug court expansion efforts that improve access to programs and treatment initiatives.