Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Therapeutic Jurisprudence in Impaired Driving Law

Driving while impaired (DWI) by alcohol or other drugs is an international problem. Far too many people lose their lives, are injured or injure others while engaging in this totally preventable crime. Some countries have a stronger ethic about not drinking and driving than others but it is a widespread issue in all parts of
Phases in Drug Courts

Structuring Success: Phases in Drug/DWI Courts

Why have phases? Virtually all adult Drug Courts and DWI Courts have phases to provide structure for the program and recognize benchmarks along the way to graduation. Drug/DWI Courts tend to be long, rigorous programs, lasting one to two years. Giving the program structure gives the participant bite size pieces to tear off and digest.
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There’s an App for That: Apps that Support Sobriety

According to the Pew Research Center, 68% of Americans have smartphones and 45% have tablet computers.  Along with smart phones and tablets come apps – apps that keep track of airline reservations; apps that count calories; apps that fetch drivers.  There’s an app for just about anything. A new set of apps have been developed
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Judicial Ethics

Judicial Ethics and Compassion: A Veterans Treatment Court Dilemma

This episode examines a compassionate yet controversial decision by Judge Lou Olivera, a Veterans Treatment Court judge, who served a night in jail with a veteran participant. We explore the ethical questions raised by his actions, the challenges of addressing PTSD among veterans, and the balance between judicial integrity and humanity in treatment courts.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Alcohol-Impaired Driving: High Tech Approaches to Prevent It

When was the last time you heard a hostess say, “Have one for the road”? Decades, right? However, in the 50’s and 60’s it was a host’s or hostess’s duty to make sure their guests had plenty to drink with little regard for the consequences.Fast forward to the 21st Century. Awareness about alcohol-impaired driving is
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Alcohol Monitoring

Monitoring Alcohol Abstinence: Ensuring Compliance in Criminal Justice

This episode explores the role of alcohol monitoring in ensuring compliance with abstinence clauses in the criminal justice system. Learn about tools like Ignition Interlock Devices, Continuous Alcohol Monitoring, and 24/7 programs, as well as the legal and technological advancements that improve oversight and promote accountability among offenders.
impaired driving and cannabis

Impaired Driving and Cannabis: A Judicial Wake-Up Call

As you sit on the bench in a criminal court you see impaired drivers every day.   You try to make a reasoned judgment in split seconds about the public safety risk presented by these drivers. You detain, set bail, or agree to leave them on their own recognizance based on your training and the information
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Alternatives to AA and NA

Alternatives to AA and NA in Criminal Justice: Ensuring Constitutional Compliance

This episode examines the constitutional concerns of mandating AA or NA in criminal justice settings. Learn about viable non-religious alternatives like SmartRecovery® and LifeRing Recovery to ensure compliance with the First Amendment while respecting defendants' rights and maintaining judicial and programmatic immunity.
Baby addict myth

The Baby Addict Myth: Debunking Misinformation About Neonatal Exposure

In the 1980s and 1990s it was “crack babies.” Now it’s babies born “addicted to opiates.” We’ve spent 30 years trying to debunk the baby addict myth; that newborns can be born “addicted.” However, the misinformation continues with current headlines like “Life begins with agony of withdrawal for opiate-addicted babies.” Over ten years ago 30
medical marijuana research

Medical Marijuana Research: What We Know and What We Don’t

“Lies, damned lies and statistics” is a phrase sometimes attributed to Benjamin Disraeli but certainly popularized by Mark Twain. I would add to that “lies, damned lies and scientific studies.” As discerning readers know, not all studies should be given equal weight and some are more reliable than others. The funding source is one place
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