The Southwest Detroit Community Court and Justice Center (SWDCJC) was created to help improve the quality of life in the target neighborhoods encompassed by the zip code areas of 48209, 48210, 48216 and 48217 by specifically focusing on low level misdemeanor quality of life crimes such as prostitution, illegal dumping, trespassing, vandalism and graffiti. This is achieved by combining a community located courtroom with one dedicated judge with community based social services including assessment, case management and wrap around services for defendants.

The model for community court is based on the Broken Windows Theory (Wilson, Kelling, 1982.) that if low level crimes are effectively and conscientiously prosecuted, then recidivism is reduced and higher level crimes are prevented from escalating. The judicial system working for the community and in collaboration with the community gives residents and defendants the perception that crime will not be tolerated and when it does occur, those responsible will be held accountable to the community where the offense occurred. Community courts in other distressed neighborhoods across the nation and abroad have already achieved remarkable results using this model and SWDCJC hopes to achieve similar outcomes.

Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center

Learn more about Community Courts

Detroit Free Press: Community Court Gives Offenders a Chance to do Good

Center for Court Innovation: Community Courts

 

Posted by MCCD on Monday, December 22nd, 2014 @ 4:12PM
Categories: Community Spotlight, Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency, Specialty Courts