Tackling high tech, jurists learn to cope with the brave new world
Article Abstract:
Cases involving new developments in science and technology are reaching the courts in increasing numbers as judges, even those of an older generation, work to become educated in the issues they present. Some ask for training themselves and some appoint special masters to handle scientific evidence questions. A joint project of the Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology and Government and the Federal Judicial Center is developing programs to help judges adjudicate new science and technology cases. The antipathy between scientists and the legal community is one reason for judges' technophobia.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Unabomber case begins; the focus is mental state, diaries of accused, but some talk of a plea
Article Abstract:
Defense lawyers for alleged Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski may use a psychiatric defense and the issue will be more whether his mental illness precluded him from the intent to murder than whether he actually constructed his bombs. Kaczynski declines examination by prosecution psychiatrists, claiming a violation of privacy, but defense experts maintain he is a paranoid schizophrenic. A plea bargain in return for a life sentence rather than the death penalty is also possible, but the government would have the advantage in any plea negotiations.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Counties begin to help jurors cope afterward
Article Abstract:
Courts in California, Iowa, Kentucky and Washington state have begun to offer counseling to jurors who have participated in trials that involve graphic and horrifying evidence. A recent survey indicated that 65% of the respondents experienced 'much higher stress' after their jury duty on such cases. Those receiving counseling are told that feeling trauma is a normal reaction to abnormal situations. Ironically, jurors in the Jeffrey Dahmer mass murder trial in Wisconsin will not receive counseling.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Making complex matters simple; to communicate with the jury, it helps to have both themes and visual aids. War stories from 10 big winners; there is no one Clausewitz of the courtroom; winners all have their own systems; some themes are common
- Abstracts: An ancient art jazzed by high tech; the storyteller without technology is seen as a bore, not an underdog. Real-time technology saves time, eases research; final court transcripts can be delievered on printed text, on disk, by e-mail or put on a Web site after court adjourns for the day
- Abstracts: Certain income maintenance benefits not "other benefits" permissible under VEBAs
- Abstracts: Straight talk; to Bush, Clinton and Perot: open the debate on justice. Seeking fairness in justice reform
- Abstracts: Let's make a deal; cooperation, not litigation, is the newest way to clean up urban wastelands. Drug free