We see drug courts as another means of focusing the use of treatment through the criminal justice system for the purpose of aiming it at the most problematic drug users and making sure that treatment is applied in the way that is most likely to succeed. We strongly recommend that the number of drug courts be increased under the aegis of the community justice programme that seeks, among other objectives, to create closer and more positive bonds between offenders and their local communities.

Drug courts are courts dedicated specifically to drug offences and are staffed by specialist judges, magistrates or, as in Scotland, sheriffs. They deliver treatment orders as an alternative to custodial sentences. Offenders are screened for suitability before referral to the drug courts, and magistrates are briefed beforehand on their assessments for drugs treatment. Magistrates then take personal responsibility for overseeing the progress of those they sentence, with the result that the offender will come before the same magistrate and the same panel at each monthly review.

Drug courts on the modern model were first introduced in America in the late 1980s.  After a pilot in Wakefield in the late 1990s, drug courts were first introduced to Britain in 2001, with the opening of the Glasgow drug court, followed by a second one in Fife in 2002.

The first two dedicated drug courts in England were launched at the end of 2005, in Leeds and West London.

An evaluation of the Leeds and West London drug courts is due for completion in July 2007. Harriet Harman, Written Answer, House of Commons, 21 March 2006.