The afternoon docket before Broward Circuit Judge Michael Davis was light, and the defendants appeared oddly comfortable.
That’s not unusual for drug court, which focuses more on finding treatment and services for defendants rather than punishment and prison time. Seated in the gallery was Dario Camacho, general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Davis invited Camacho to visit Broward’s drug court after the White House issued an executive order on “Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.”
Addressing addiction as a social issue rather than a simple criminal matter has been Broward’s mission since drug court was founded in 1991, making it the third-oldest drug court in the country and one of only 10 in operation. “This visit shines a spotlight on the important work the 17th Judicial Circuit is doing to address the addiction crisis in America,” Davis said, “As a national mentor court, Broward is proud to help lead the way in helping citizens regain their sobriety and dignity.”
Camacho didn’t address the court publicly and wasn’t available for questions afterward. He did not immediately reply to an e-mail asking for his thoughts after seeing Davis in action.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Judge Michael Davis leads the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Mentor Drug Court on Wednesday. Dario Camacho, the General Counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, visited the courtroom to observe the proceedings. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)