Urges New Jersey Supreme Court to refer to supervisory treatment program as "Recovery Court" in publications.
Impact
The resolution highlights the evolution of the supervisory treatment program, which was set up as a pilot in the late 1990s and grew into a statewide initiative by 2004. It aims to provide an alternative to incarceration for certain nonviolent drug or alcohol-dependent individuals, given that they meet specific eligibility criteria. By changing the terminology from 'Drug Court' to 'Recovery Court', the intention is to emphasize not just the treatment of drug abuse but also recovery, thus enhancing the perception and effectiveness of the program.
Summary
Assembly Resolution AR129 urges the New Jersey Supreme Court to officially refer to the supervisory treatment program established under N.J.S.A.2C:35-14 as 'Recovery Court' instead of the commonly used term 'Drug Court.' The resolution notes that the term 'Drug Court' has become popular in various Judiciary publications and general conversations, but it does not reflect the broader scope of treatment that includes both drug and alcohol dependency. The sponsors of the bill argue that this terminology can lead to misleading perceptions about what the program entails.
Contention
There may be potential pushback from those who are accustomed to the existing terminology and view 'Drug Court' as an established term synonymous with the treatment program. This change seeks to reframe the public understanding of the program as a holistic recovery initiative rather than merely a punitive measure addressing substance use. Critics might argue that the term 'Recovery Court' could dilute the focus on drug offenses, but proponents insist it enhances clarity regarding the program's objectives.