About Austin Segal

Austin Segal (he/they) is Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts' Research & Program Coordinator. They recently graduated from Northwestern University, where they studied sociology, mathematical methods in the social sciences, and legal studies. They were involved in student organizations that promote constructive dialogue and community organizing, and they are writing an interdisciplinary thesis with original research on the implementation of queer-inclusive educational policies. They are deeply invested in supporting those harmed by the criminal legal system and developing equitable solutions for social injustices.

Judicial Discretion in Cook County’s Problem-Solving Courts

Cook County’s problem-solving courts (PSCs) are specialized diversion courts that work with accused people whose mental health conditions and/or substance usage may have contributed to their arrests. The PSCs include Drug Treatment Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Mental Health Courts; in othe...