In 2007, NACDL established a Problem-Solving Courts Task Force to examine the operations of courts such as drug and mental health courts. NACDL’s Task Force on Problem Solving Courts was charged with conducting a thorough analysis of these courts, specifically focusing upon the ethical implications for the defense bar and the constitutional implications for society at large.

To fully understand the ramifications of Problem Solving Courts, the Task Force conducted 7 hearings throughout the country in San Francisco, Miami, Tucson, New York, Milwaukee, Austin and the District of Columbia. The culmination of this project is a comprehensive report and recommendations that for the first time provide the perspective of the nation’s criminal defense bar.

On September 29, 2009, the Task Force released America's Problem Solving Courts: The Criminal Costs of Treatment and the Case for Reform. The intent of this report is to seek implementation of the recommendations in jurisdictions throughout the country.

Below are the report, mission statement, hearing schedules, witness list and other information related to the task force hearings.

If you have any questions about the efforts of the Task Force please contact Angelyn Frazer at angelyn@nacdl.org or (202) 872-8600 x242.

Problem-Solving Courts Task Force Report

• America's Problem Solving Courts: The Criminal Costs of Treatment and the Case for Reform
• Executive Summary

Problem-Solving Courts Task Force:
Video Hearing Summary

Administrative Materials

• Mission Statement
• Hearings Transcript
• Questionnaire Results
• Witness List

• Task Force Schedule - Miami
• Task Force Schedule - Tucson
• Task Force Schedule - New York
• Task Force Schedule - Milwaukee
• Task Force Schedule - Austin
• Task Force Schedule - Washington, DC