Mike Gruber
Second-year law Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ law student Mike Gruber has spent the past two semesters examining how various communities in Montana could promote justice through diversionary courts.
His work is part of a graduate-level program at the Rural Justice Initiative within the UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law.
RJI collaborates with local, state and tribal stakeholders to support evidence-based criminal justice policy that integrates the experiences and needs of Indigenous and rural communities. Gruber focuses on predictive qualifying principles, analyzing over 25 years of historical data to identify individuals who are more likely to benefit from diversionary courts rather than the traditional legal system.
Diversionary courts provide an alternative sentencing option, allowing defendants charged with specific crimes to avoid incarceration. These courts foster behavioral change while alleviating jail overcrowding, enabling qualified individuals to remain active in their communities and avoid lengthy incarcerations.
Gruber said this approach not only aids individuals in achieving success but also saves counties money that would otherwise be spent on incarceration.
“There are certain situations where we know people are likely to succeed in these programs,” he explains. “Factors such as past interactions with law enforcement or whether they have pets and family nearby can make a difference.”
Gruber said there is a resource disparity between larger cities versus smaller towns.
“For larger cities like Missoula or Billings, there are more resources to address legal issues,” he said. “In a small town like Two Dot, a community-minded approach is necessary. Diversionary courts can be effective for the right individuals.”
Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, Gruber enlisted in the Navy after high school. Following his service, he attended UM to focus on philosophy and resource conservation. He is passionate about ensuring access to justice for individuals from all backgrounds.
“I recognize that I have certain advantages based on how I look,” Gruber said. “I want to ensure that people from all racial and economic backgrounds have access to justice within their communities.”
Gruber intends to work to improve access to justice after graduating, hopeful about the future of diversionary courts.
“These courts can work if implemented correctly – provided everyone involved is committed to their success,” he said.