#033 – Elizabeth Kelley on Representing People with Mental Illness and Disabilities, & Addiction

Elizabeth Kelley joins the show this week sharing her expertise representing people struggling with mental illnesses or mental disabilities. Elizabeth, Sara and Jim begin the show by discussing the difference between these two, “illness” and “disability”, and how those afflicted are treated in the criminal justice system. They also discuss more specifically about individuals on the autism spectrum and the misunderstandings of this diagnosis that are prevalent throughout the country and justice systems state by state. Later they talk about dementia, not guilty by reason of insanity defense, and how to best persuade judges and prosecutors that drug addiction is a symptom of mental illness and self-medication, and neither an excuse nor voluntary. Before wrapping, Sara and Jim ask Elizabeth about cases involving brain injuries, lack of suitable treatment and conditions in jails and prisons for the mentally ill, and how courts across the nation are educating themselves on this forgotten disease within the criminal justice system.

Art – Simon & Associates
Music – Caleb Fletcher