Implementing Labour Party policy to roll out alcohol and drug courts nationwide was feasible, a public meeting in Dunedin heard last night.
The Law and Society Association of Australia and New Zealand conference opened with a session on drugs and the law, where the pilot Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court came under focus.
Judge Lisa Tremewan, one of two judges serving on the pilot scheme, said the court had been designed as a blueprint. However, a wide range of support services had to be in place for such courts to be effective.
Researcher Katey Thom, of the University of Auckland, said a successful drug and alcohol court system would require
investment in treatment and addiction services and further training for social workers and legal professionals.
The pilot courts - one in Auckland, one in Waitakere - are modelled on overseas examples that have reduced reoffending.
''The court is better fit for purpose in the 21st century as a vehicle for dealing with the particular drivers which see the cohort we deal with appearing back before the court time and again,'' Judge Tremewan said.
For a case to be considered for the court, drugs and/or alcohol had to be a driver of the offending but the charges did not have to be drug or alcohol-related ones.
Charges involving extreme violence, arson or sex offending could not be considered.
Participants were tested five times a fortnight, and were normally expected to undergo treatment.
''It is a confronting court which requires them to be accountable,'' Judge Tremewan said.
The conference runs until Saturday.
