DigitalCommons@UM Carey Law

On November 6, 2009, the University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class hosted its Fall symposium entitled "Problem Solving Courts: A Conversation with the Experts." Problem solving courts are alternative court structures that aim to solve the underlying problem of the criminal, civil, or juvenile offense. Some examples are adult and juvenile drug courts, mental health courts, prostitution courts, truancy courts, unified family courts, and community courts. The mission of these problem solving courts is to improve the offender’s life and better the community by emphasizing rehabilitation and implementing multi-pronged solutions. However, problem solving courts are not without critics, who question the effectiveness of the courts and express due process as well as ethical concerns.

Presentations from the symposium were published in volume 10, no. 1 of RRGC.