Source: (2000) Crime & Delinquency 46 (October): 522-41.
In this study, the authors apply Braithwaite’s theory of reintegrative shaming to examine the relative effectiveness of specialized drug court in reducing recidivism risks. Despite the structural similarities of specialized drug court to the principles of reintegrative shaming, drug court participants have a significantly higher risk of recidivism than comparable offenders processed outside of drug court. The authors conclude, from their study of the situation, that drug court is actually more stigmatizing than conventional court and not sufficiently reintegrative in its orientation toward punishment. Their paper covers diversion programs and drug courts, the theory of reintegrative shaming, and their research method and findings.
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