The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court in Merrick County is set to hold a graduation ceremony and celebration on September 9, 2024. The event will take place at the Merrick County Courthouse in Central City, Nebraska, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Honorable Rachel A. Daugherty will preside over the ceremony, which marks the completion of an intensive program involving comprehensive behavioral health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability for the graduates.
Problem-Solving Courts offer an alternative path through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders by utilizing a specialized team process within the existing court structure. These courts aim to reduce recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders while protecting public safety and enhancing rehabilitation success rates. This is achieved through validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, incentives, sanctions, and other rehabilitative services.
For more information about the event or Problem-Solving Courts in general, interested parties can contact Morgan Campbell, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, at 402-362-6540. Additional details are also available on the Problem-Solving Court webpage: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/courts/problem-solving-courts.
The judicial power of Nebraska is distributed among various courts as per the Constitution of the State of Nebraska. All state courts operate under the administrative direction of the Supreme Court. In addition to constitutionally created courts such as the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts, Nebraska's judicial system includes separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties as well as a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.