For purposes of §§ 6-1201 through 6-1210, problem-solving courts are programs and services established within the district, county, or juvenile courts and shall include, but are not limited to, programs established pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-1302 and programs established for the treatment of problems related to issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. The purpose of the programs and services is to reduce recidivism by fostering a comprehensive and coordinated court response composed of early intervention, appropriate treatment, intensive supervision, and consistent judicial oversight.
§ 6-1202.General.
Article 12: Problem-Solving Courts · Last amended February 14, 2019 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceSection 6-1202 defines problem-solving courts as district, county, or juvenile court programs addressing issues like substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence, aimed at reducing repeat offenses through early intervention, treatment, supervision, and judicial oversight.
Full Text of § 6-1202
Amendment History
Adopted January 24, 2007, effective March 1, 2007. Renumbered and codified as § 6-1202, effective July 18, 2008; § 6-1202 amended September 21, 2016; § 601202 amended February 14, 2019.
Plain-English Summary
Section 6-1202 fills in what Section 6-1201 leaves open: what exactly counts as a problem-solving court. The term covers programs and services set up within district, county, or juvenile courts, including — but not limited to — programs authorized under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-1302 and programs built around substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar issues. Drug courts, DUI courts, veterans treatment courts, and family treatment courts all fall within that description.
The rule also states why these programs exist: to cut down on repeat offenses. It does that by combining early intervention, treatment matched to the participant’s needs, close supervision, and steady judicial involvement in each case — rather than relying only on traditional sentencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of programs count as “problem-solving courts” under Nebraska’s rules?
Programs and services within district, county, or juvenile courts that address issues like substance abuse, mental health, or domestic violence, including programs authorized under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-1302. Drug, DUI, veterans, and family treatment courts are common examples.
Is the list of covered programs limited to what’s named in the rule?
No. The rule’s list is illustrative rather than exhaustive — it names examples but doesn’t restrict problem-solving courts to only those categories.
What’s the goal behind these specialty court programs?
Reducing repeat offenses by combining early intervention, appropriate treatment, close supervision, and consistent judicial oversight in one coordinated response.
Do problem-solving courts operate only in district courts?
No. They can operate within district, county, or juvenile courts.
How does this definition connect to the rest of Article 12?
It sets the scope for every other section in the article — the establishment, operational, and case-management requirements that follow all apply to whatever fits this definition.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Judicial Branch, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Nebraska. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
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