Research Committee Notes 
Problem Solving Courts 
January 6, 2006 
Present: Nina Gardner, Chair (note taker) 
Rep. Gilman Shattuck 
Stephen Monier, U.S. Marshall 
Rod Tenney 
John Tobin 
Rep. Harriett Cady (excused due to illness) 
A general discussion began with the question, “Rehab or lock up” those 
are the current options. Current criminal justice policy can be strident in its 
approach. Looking at alternatives can affect how much and how we spend the 
state’s resources dealing with those within the system. There was discussion 
that there is growing willingness among the various participants in the system to 
consider new approaches that are outcome driven. 
Community-oriented problem solving produces better outcomes. Can 
courts adopt this kind of new approach, alternatives that can be utilized without 
jepodizingf safety. There needs also to be a recognition that this approach 
cannot work in all cases, there are some where adjudication is the appropriate 
response. But there are some cases which might lend themselves to a new 
approach which might produce a different outcome. 
It was generally recognized that these new approaches are built upon 
local courts working with those with whom they naturally connect in their local 
communities. They know the people in the local communities, the resources and 
the kinds of problems that do not respond well to the existing system. Underlying 
this whole view is a recognition that resources are limited. 
Looking ahead, it will be very important how we frame the discussion 
concerning these issues. People will ask, “How will this affect my life?” 
Next meeting was scheduled for January 20, 2006.