Friday, June 3, 2011

Criminal justice: a very interesting approach

The Economist
Criminal justice
A special court tries to keep troubled veterans out of prison

BUFFALO

MAY 30th was Memorial Day, when Americans remember those who died serving in the armed forces. Military graves were decorated with flags. Soldiers and sailors marched in parades honouring the fallen. Unfortunately, living veterans are having a tough time. Unemployment among veterans who have served since 2001 is higher than for non-veterans. Veterans make up 20% of all suicides. Nearly a fifth of the homeless population in the United States are veterans. Substance abuse is pervasive. Many more have mental-health problems, which often lead to criminal behaviour. Robert Russell, a judge in Buffalo, New York, after noticing an increasing number of veterans on his docket, in 2008 created the first court specialised and adapted to meet the needs of veterans.



Thanks
Finbarr

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