The symposium will feature a keynote address by Nancy Forster, the previous State Public Defender, and three dynamic panel discussions exploring the diverse facets of problem-solving courts, with particular emphasis on their status in Maryland. In the last 30 years, courts across the United States have shifted goals in their handling of certain offenders and stakeholers to face the most complex problems in our justice system.  One alternative structure is known as a "problem solving court," designed to resolve the underlying issues behind the complaint.  These courts attempt to broaden their view to see each case through the eyes of the defendants, victims (or plaintiffs), and affected communities.  Please join us in a conversation about the effectiveness, constitutionality, and the general value of problem solving courts.