(1997)

Dear Mr. Barnes:

You have requested our opinion concerning your office's desire to develop and implement a "substance abuse fund." You pose the following questions:

1. In the absence of specific statutory authority, may a court require a defendant to make a "contribution" to such a fund as a condition of probation or probation before judgment?

2. Does a juvenile master have comparable authority in delinquency matters?

3. If such a plan is legally permissible, may collection and enforcement be administered under the auspices of the Division of Parole and Probation?

Our opinion is as follows:

1. A…