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Changes in the understanding of addiction have led to shifts in drug policy. Current approaches employ treatment-oriented strategies as opposed to a reliance on criminalization. Within this evolving landscape, drug courts have emerged as a viable alternative to punitive measures, especially for low-level non-violent offenders. Despite their reputation for cost-effectiveness and lower rates of recidivism, the impact of drug courts on racial disparities is inconclusive. While existing research has found differences in outcomes related to graduation rates and recidivism, there remains a notable gap in understanding racial disparities in earlier stages, particularly in the criminal processing and admission procedures of drug courts. The proposed research aims to explore drug court stakeholders’ perceptions of racial disparities in admittance and sentencing outcomes.
Methods
Conducted with funding form The National Institute of Justice, W.E.B. Du Bois Program of Research on Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Justice System the study employed ethnographic methods for data collection. The study team conducted ethnographic observations in three drug courts over a period of 4 months and completed in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with 11 drug court stakeholders including judges, project managers, coordinators, probation officers, and prosecutors. The team observed drug court proceedings and developed descriptive and reflective field notes. The qualitative interview questions were guided by ethnographic observations. All interviews lasted between one and two hours and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Tenets of grounded theory and constant comparative method were used to analyze the data. The field notes and interview transcripts were coded using a combination of open, axial, and selective coding techniques.
Results
Preliminary findings from the study suggest the effectiveness of the treatment-oriented strategies employed by the drug courts. However, participants shared that individual-level and systemic barriers prevent racial and ethnic minoritized groups from participating in drug courts. Participants highlighted that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, especially those with familial responsibilities, are more likely to opt out of the long and intensive drug court proceedings. Past negative experiences with the justice system also deter participants from participating in drug courts.
Conclusion & Implications:
Ohio is an epicenter of the current overdose crisis and the rates of fatal overdoses among Black and Hispanic residents now surpass those of White residents. Treatment-centered interventions have the potential to reduce deaths due to drug overdose and improve outcomes for minoritized groups who have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system. The findings from this study will not only reveal the drug court stakeholders’ perceptions of the causes of racial disparities but will also provide potential solutions to reduce the identified disparities in admittance and sentencing. Thus, findings from this study will have an impact on policy while highlighting key interventions aimed at improving access to drug courts.