What are specialty courts? Problem-solving courts (also known as specialty courts) focus on reduction in crime through addressing the underlying problems that contribute to criminal behavior.  Over the past 30 years, specialized courts have been created in many shapes and sizes.  Despite the various types of special courts, these courts all use an interdisciplinary team to adjudicate cases and seek to address the root causes of repeated unsafe and criminal behavior.  As an alternative to incarceration, program participants receive case management and therapeutic jurisprudence in an effort to reduce recidivism.

The 19^th Judicial District Court implemented its first specialty court, a drug court, more than 25 years ago.  Since that time several specialized programs have become operational, and others are developing.  These include Pre-Trial Diversion and Recovery Program; Recovery Court (Drug Court); Re-Entry Court; Veterans Treatment Court; Domestic Violence Court Pilot; Retail Theft Diversion Pilot; and Traffic Court.

This program will provide not only an overview of the programs existing and developing at the 19^th JDC, but also a preliminary overview of the history and successes of specialty courts throughout the country.

Who should attend? Young lawyers beginning their practice; criminal defense attorneys, district attorneys, public defenders, general practitioners and others with an interest in the topic.

Speakers:  Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson, Judge Eboni Johnson Rose, Lisa Burns, April Landry, Judge William Jorden, Judge Kelly Balfour, Judge Ronald Johnson, Judge Tiffany Foxworth- Roberts, Judge Fred Crifasi, Judge Gail Ray, Genevieve Robichaux and Diana Gibbens

CLE Credit: 4.0 Hours