Right to counsel

The Right to Counsel: Gideon’s Mandate and Judicial Responsibility

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel, but millions face court without an attorney. This article explores how local court practices, judicial inertia, and funding gaps have led to systemic violations of this constitutional mandate—and what steps states like Michigan are taking to reverse course.
  • Published in Law
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Alcohol Awareness Month

The facts are staggering; the tragedy enormous; the solution difficult.   Did you know that alcohol is the most commonly misused substance consumed in the United States?  Did you know that (AUD)? [1]   A substance use disorder (SUD) is defined as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive … seeking and use, despite harmful
  • Published in Law
political delegitimization

Political Delegitimization and the Threat to Democracy

The violent threats made by Brandon Griesemer reflect a deeper issue—political delegitimization. This article explores how undermining opponents’ legitimacy erodes democratic institutions. Drawing on insights from How Democracies Die, it highlights the urgent need to defend tolerance, facts, and the rule of law before it’s too late.
  • Published in Law
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Equifax data breach

How the Equifax Data Breach Exposed Millions

The Equifax data breach compromised the personal data of over 145 million Americans. This blog examines how the breach occurred, the risks of unencrypted information, and the failure of regulatory safeguards. It also provides practical steps for protecting your identity, including freezing credit and monitoring financial records.
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judicial education

Judge Peggy Hora Honored for Judicial Education Excellence

Judge Peggy Hora, a pioneer in judicial education and problem-solving courts, received the 2017 V. Robert Payant Award for Teaching Excellence. Honored by the National Judicial College, she has led courses worldwide and advanced therapeutic jurisprudence through her writing, training, and leadership with JSI and the global judiciary.
  • Published in Law
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veterans treatment courts

Veterans Treatment Courts: A Special Court to Deal Effectively with Convicted Veterans

Veterans treatment courts offer a second chance to veterans like Joe, who return from combat with PTSD and trauma. This blog explains how these courts connect justice-involved veterans to treatment, accountability, and peer support—ultimately saving lives and reducing incarceration. The results are remarkable, and the need is urgent.
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right to counsel at arraignment

Oakland County Lawsuit Highlights Right to Counsel Crisis

Oakland County is suing Michigan over who should pay to uphold the right to counsel at arraignment. The lawsuit highlights a critical justice issue: without early legal representation, poor defendants face jail and high costs. The proposed standards could cut jail expenses—but local governments want the state to foot the bill.
  • Published in Law
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Avenues to Truth: A Free Press

Do you care about your freedom?  If so, this article is for you. Norway and North Korea – What do they have in common?  Overall, not much, with a significant difference between the two countries being that Norway is ranked number one on the 2017 World Press Freedom Index and North Korea is ranked 180—the
  • Published in Law
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marijuana use and child custody

Marijuana Use and Child Custody: Legal Conflicts Ahead

As marijuana legalization spreads, courts are grappling with its impact on child custody and visitation. Parents risk losing custody, even for legal use. With conflicting laws and few precedents, judges must balance child safety with evolving legal standards. The debate over marijuana use and parental rights is just beginning.
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