All Episodes

February 23, 2024 67 mins

Show Notes:

 

Episode 103. Problem-Solving Courts: A Critical Examination with Judge Houchin

 

In this episode, Judge Dustin Houchin discusses problem solving courts. He highlights the lack of empirical evidence supporting these courts. Judge Houchin also raises concerns about the separation of powers, as problem solving courts blur the lines between the judiciary and other branches of government. He argues that the judge's role in these courts undermines their neutrality and detachment.


Additionally, he addresses the perverse incentives created by problem solving courts. This conversation explores the creation and motivations behind problem-solving courts, the financial incentives, the influence of corporate interests, the violation of the separation of powers, and the alternative of retributive theory. The conversation highlights the lack of solid evidence supporting the efficacy of problem-solving courts and the potential dangers of their implementation.

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction of Judge Dustin Houchin

01:31 Problem Solving Courts and their Purpose

06:23 Different Perspectives on Drug Offenses

08:48 Effectiveness of Problem Solving Courts

10:37 Lack of Evidence for the Effectiveness of Problem Solving Courts

14:32 Methodological Problems in Studies on Problem Solving Courts

20:10 Creation and Implementation of Problem Solving Courts

22:59 Separation of Powers and Problem Solving Courts

26:37 Judicial Role in Problem Solving Courts

29:41 Enabling Behavior in Problem Solving Courts

32:12 Adversarial Process and Separation of Powers

34:38 Intrusion and Perverse Incentives in Problem Solving Courts

35:08 Judges' Role in Policy Making and Policing

39:36 Judges' Motivations for Creating Problem-Solving Courts

44:24 Financial Incentives and Job Concerns

47:12 Corporate Interests and Lack of Government Oversight

52:07 The Compassion Industrial Complex

56:29 Violation of Separation of Powers

59:19 Retributive Theory as an Alternative

01:01:59 Judex Substack

 

Resources:

 

Judex | Dustin Houchin | Substack

https://judex.substack.com/p/problem-courts?publication_id=1153073&post_id=141673914&isFreemail=true&r=2gxwto

 

The Problem of Problem-Solving Courts by Erin Collins :: SSRN

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3492003

 

Problem-Solving Courts: Fighting Crime by Treating the Offender

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/problem-solving-courts-fighting-crime-treating-offender

 

Episode 27. Crime and Punishment - A Retributive Theory of Justice with Judge Dustin Houchin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ3MIx-xcD4

 

Judex re Retributive Theory

https://judex.substack.com/p/retributive-justice?publication_id=1153073&post_id=110669882&isFreemail=true

 

https://judex.substack.com/p/retribution-and-status?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1153073&post_id=123168921&isFreemail=true&utm_medium=email

 

https://judex.substack.com/p/retribution-and-drug-crimes?utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Fretribution&utm_medium=reader2

 

The Contender - Erin Houchin

https://erinhouchin.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-contender

 

The Contender with Erin Houchin | Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/31fWKKIup2NxoQaJAqfzNJ

 

C.S. Lewis Quote

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/526469-of-all-tyrannies-a-tyranny-sincerely-exercised-for-the-good

 

Federalist 51 (James Madison)

ht


Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.