Family & Children's Services’ Post

University of Michigan's Innocence Clinic continues to investigate claims of innocence. I have been fortunate enough in my efforts in the post conviction space to be provided the opportunity to assist Michigan's Innocence Clinic in their mission. It's an honor and privilege to be involved with such a great group of people. Unlike many other innocence clinics, which specialize in DNA exonerations, the Michigan Innocence Clinic focuses on innocence cases where there is no DNA to be tested. Under the supervision of co-directors David Moran and Imran Syed and clinical fellow Elizabeth Cole, Innocence Clinic students work on all aspects of the cases, including investigating new evidence, researching and writing briefs, arguing court motions and conducting evidentiary hearings. The clinic’s work spans all levels of state and federal courts. Since its founding in 2009, the clinic has successfully won the release of 41 people who had been wrongfully convicted and served anywhere from a few months to 46 years in prison. Yours truly, M P.S. I have never compartmentalized my life on LinkedIn. I have many layers to me, and you get to see them all, but, don't get it twisted, I can walk into any environment and turn on what is needed, given the situation. Aren't we all doing this? "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players" #exonerees #innocence #freedom #justice #uofm

For legal studies teachers: after serving 20 years in prison and being pardoned, Kathleen Folbigg’s convictions for murder and manslaughter quashed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. Reasonable doubt and a conclusion that her diary entries should not be construed as an admission or proof of guilt. Lots of interesting issues to consider re: circumstantial vs scientific evidence and questions of evidential reliability. A civil compensation claim will now be pursued.

I just wanted to share this webinar I conducted on Restorative Justice back in February of this year (year listed on slideshow is incorrect): https://lnkd.in/giimx5yh Restorative Justice is an alternative to the traditional model of criminal case processing. In an RJ approach, responsible parties acknowledge the harm they have caused and get a chance to develop a reparations plan along with the impacted party. The model emphasizes repairing harm and mutual healing over delivering punishment. Crime is seen as a harm that impacts communities rather than a violation against the state. Check it out and let me know what you think!

The Kids at Court Conference is coming to FOUR different locations in Pennsylvania. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so please get your ticket today: https://lnkd.in/e4enKpwn This conference is open to all attorneys who interact with children and youth in their courtroom practice, including, but not limited to, criminal, dependency, delinquency, civil, and domestic relations across Pennsylvania. The conference includes an online pre-requisite session and a live, full-day event. Topics will include oppression-based trauma, the neurobiological impact of trauma, understanding and utilizing forensic interviewing, experts and motions, strategies when children are in-trial and on-the-stand, and more. The content includes the perspective of those with lived experience. 

A new report by law and psychology faculty at USC uses data on every Order of Protection issued by SC courts in 2019 to give insights about the breadth of domestic violence in SC. Learn more about the groundbreaking findings here >>> https://lnkd.in/esRhUATs

X Here's a slide share from the August workshop on How Restorative Justice can help us to build strong communities. In this slide, I began to describe a process associated with Restorative Justice: the CoSA. Thus far, my work with CoSA has been in Re-Entry Circles. However, we are exploring how this process may help transition participants in Drug Court after graduation to ensure that they have the community and family support to sustain them. We are optimistic about the potential and are in the process of creating a CoSA with some folks in the Northern District of West Virginia. #recoveryispossible #communitysupport

Interested to learn more regarding Restorative Justice Circles and practice applications yesterday in this thought-provoking seminar. #adr #mediate #solutions #repair #harm

In recent times, we’ve seen a troubling trend in our legal system – the misinterpretation of scientific evidence leading to wrongful convictions, especially in sensitive and complex child abuse cases. 🧪 Science, while a powerful tool for truth, can sometimes be misunderstood or misapplied in courtrooms. This is particularly concerning in cases of alleged child abuse, where the stakes are incredibly high. The misuse of medical and forensic evidence can lead to tragic consequences, affecting both the wrongfully accused and the genuine victims seeking justice. 👨⚖️ Science on Trial aims to ensure that our legal professionals - judges, lawyers, and jurors - have a robust understanding of the science involved in these cases. Equally important is the need for clear, unbiased, and accurate scientific testimony from experts. A little over the a month ago US Supreme Court denied the review of the conviction of Robert Roberson, a Texas inmate sentenced to death based on a conviction for causing his daughter’s death through “shaken baby syndrome.” Roberson was convicted in 2003 for the death of his two-year-old daughter Nikki, who passed away in hospital after showing symptoms like brain swelling, then interpreted as definitive signs of child abuse. His conviction was heavily reliant on this interpretation. Roberson has exhausted all appeals and looks set to be put to death on the back of erroneous medical claims. Every scientist should be greatly disturbed by the usage of medical claims in place of proper forensic science and investigation. The consequences are literally a matter of life or death. www.scienceontrial.com #JusticeSystem #ChildProtection #LegalReform #ScienceOnTrial #FairTrials

The most helpful detail for attorneys and legislators might be in the footnotes.