ABSTRACT

Anyone new to drug court would be astonished by its informality, where the center stage is fully accorded to the judge … Drug court offers a different approach, with the judge becoming more than a stylistic figure. He or she will frequently engage in a dialogue with the offender … These inclusive personal contacts can produce affection and loyalty from some offenders; they will often say, with admiration, that no other judge has ever bothered to discuss with them the details of their personal lives.