Resolution 17
Endorsing and Supporting: Judicial Education on Substance Abuse: Promoting and Expanding Judicial Awareness and Leadership

WHEREAS, the pervasive problem of substance abuse is often before the courts; and

WHEREAS, the courts have a unique opportunity to heighten accountability for substance abusers and to stop recidivism; and

WHEREAS, the courts support ongoing education, implementation of effective strategies and collaboration regarding substance abuse issues; and

WHEREAS, the American Judges Association and the National Center for State Courts, in partnership with a variety of national organizations, has developed an educational curriculum in response to these judicial needs; and

WHEREAS, the resulting curriculum--Judicial Education on Substance Abuse: Promoting and Expanding Judicial Awareness and Leadership--was developed and refined based on the following objectives:

• generate an awareness of substance abuse issues before courts; 
• identify the judicial role in responding to litigants and to the community in cases with substance abuse issues;
• provide a basic understanding of the nature of substance abuse, addiction and recovery, and treatment modalities;
• assist the judge with the development of strategies and tools for addressing cases with substance abuse problems; and
• encourage judges to collaborate with other judges, lawyers and interested community leaders in best addressing cases with abuse issues and in developing problem-solving approaches generally; and

1. endorses the objectives and strategies set forth in the Judicial Education on Substance Abuse: Promoting and Expanding Judicial Awareness and Leadership;

2. supports such curriculum based on these objectives and strategies as a useful tool for dealing with cases involving substance abuse; and 

3. acknowledges the benefit of collaborative efforts between and among national organizations in the development of educational materials enhancing judicial awareness and practices.

Adopted as proposed by the Problem-Solving Courts Committee of the Conference of Chief Justices at its 26th Midyear Meeting on January 30, 2003.

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