What are drug courts, diversion programs and sentencing reform?
Prison overcrowding and recidivism forced states to develop new means of alleviating growing pressures on the criminal justice system. With limited funds for construction of new facilities and a revolving door for people who were convicted of drug-related crime, states and localities sought means to break cycles and control costs. States found the three most effective methods to achieve these goals were sentencing reform, drug courts and diversion programs. Sentencing reform developed in recognition of the fact that stiff and lengthy incarcerations issued under mandatory minimum sentencing laws were overcrowding facilities and not preventing recidivism. States have revised, eliminated and enacted new sentencing grids in pursuit of reform. Some states have also eliminated or revised their punitive scoring systems. Sentencing reform provides states with immediate cost savings. As the population of those incarcerated declines, the state realizes savings through reduced need for and use of
