The Government says courts focussing on treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction aren't soft on criminals

A third court, the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court, has opened in Hamilton, after the success of two in Auckland.

Courts Minister Aupito William Sio says our punitive system hasn't worked over the last decades.

He says people want a safe and effective justice system, where people are treated with the mana and dignity they deserve.

Sio says long-term jail sentences are only going to make things worse for some people.

He says this is a therapeutic approach, particularly for those with addiction and alcohol abuse problems.