Standards of Justice

While disparities persist in the justice system, treatment courts present a unique opportunity to tackle these issues head-on. In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Lindley, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. Rachel explores Standard II: Equity and Inclusion, discussing how treatment courts can promote equitable access, improve retention, and support successful program completion for all participants.

Treatment courts work, but they are not meant for everyone. In fact, putting the wrong people in treatment court can have a negative impact. Former New Hampshire Superior Court Chief Justice Tina Nadeau helps us understand the right target population for treatment courts and why not following this standard jeopardizes all others.

Ten years of addiction nearly cost Deena Davis everything. Five seconds in a Georgia courtroom offered her a chance to get it all back. Deena bravely shares her journey from casual experimentation to substance use disorder, motherhood, finding recovery, and why she now has a key to the courthouse.