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.
Editor’s Note: June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Learn more here. With our ever growing aging population, crimes against older adults are increasing and becoming more widespread. Since 2010, the senior population (65 and over) has increased 30% compared to an overall population growth of only 12%. The percentage of Americans in their
I was recently invited by the Turkish Association of Judicial Unity, (YBD) to be an observer at an international symposium on the Syrian refugee crisis. It was arranged in cooperation with the law schools of Istanbul and Ankara Universities, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and the Turkish Ministry of Interior. Turkey
May 20, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Romer v. Evans. This was the first positive decision by that Court on the issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights. It overturned a discriminatory Colorado initiative (Amendment 2) that sought to amend the state constitution to prohibit protections for
Over thirty years ago, I walked into a courtroom located in Eaton County, Michigan. I was a new assistant prosecuting attorney (APA) eager to start doing jury trials, to make my community a safer place. I became an APA because I believe that holding people accountable for their actions will make the world a better
Along with alcohol and other drugs in the workplace, the advent of the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in many states requires employers to face a variety of issues related to the use of marijuana by employees. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated in 2013 that 9.1% of full-time
The common law legal theory of vicarious liability existed long before the invention of the first motor vehicle. Applying the concept of respondeat superior, courts have held that an employer is responsible for the wrongful acts or omissions of their employees during their scope of their employment. For an act to be considered within the
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
In part one of this series, Judge Brian MacKenzie interviews Judge Michael Haley about his law review article, Drug Court: The Criminal Justice System Rolls the Rock. Judge Haley shares his journey in developing a Drug Treatment Court, the challenges faced, and how these courts provide hope and transform sentencing practices.
It’s getting warmer and spring time is here, which means motorcyclists will be out in force. How many more motorcyclists, you ask? In 2013, there were almost 8½ million registered motorcycles, up from 5 million in 2002. And, while motorcycles account for only 3% of all registered vehicles and a mere 0.7% of all vehicle miles
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Accountability: Recovery and Public Safety Can Coexist
Accountability does not have to mean punishment... -
Substance Use Disorders Are Treatable: Recovery Is Possible
Substance use disorders are treatable, and reco... -
Understanding Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System
Science has changed what we know about substanc...
