We're Not Arresting Ourselves Out of the Problem, Are We?
streaming audio
We're Not Arresting Ourselves Out of the Problem, Are We?
-- The law court that helps addicts get clean
Copies
0 Total copies, 0 Copies are in, 0 Copies are out.
On a recent Friday afternoon, in a criminal court in Brampton, Ontario, a graduation ceremony unfolded. There were no diplomas or degrees. Instead, at the end of the celebration, the single graduate - a former drug addict convicted of a criminal offence - was handed a probationary sentence. There were cheers in the courtroom, congratulatory remarks from the judge, gift cards - and a cake.  This was the sixth such graduation in the two-year-old Brampton Drug Treatment Court. An alternative, non-adversarial, criminal court, it targets drug addicts who pose a high risk of re-offending. It's one of 22 in the country. Drug treatment courts offer people accused of drug-related crimes a second chance. A "Get Out of Jail" card. Rehab. And an opportunity to turn their lives around. Those who complete the program get a reduced sentence, usually probation. Those who don't, serve time for their crimes.  The program aims to reduce recidivism - to stop the revolving door of hard drug use, crime and punishment. Original air date: April 15, 2018.
  • Share It:
  • Pinterest