Mental

Jury Deliberates Fate of Veteran Accused in Subway Chokehold Death Amid Tensions Over Public Safety and Mental Health Issues

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NEW YORK — A military veteran, Daniel Penny, could face up to 15 years behind bars if convicted in a controversial case that has gripped New York City. Accused of manslaughter, Penny is charged with fatally choking Jordan Neely, a homeless street performer, on a subway train under circumstances that raised alarm among passengers. Penny has entered a plea of not guilty, insisting that his intervention was necessary under the circumstances. On May 1, 2023, witnesses observed Neely, who was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, acting erratically and screaming about starvation and dehydration. Some … Read more

Florida Supreme Court Temporarily Suspends Judge for Misconduct, Requires Continuing Mental Health Efforts

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Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida’s highest judicial body, the Supreme Court, has mandated a 60-day unpaid suspension and public reprimand for Seminole County Judge Wayne Culver, citing instances of inappropriate conduct in his courtroom. This decisive action reflects the court’s adherence to maintaining decorum and civility within the state’s judiciary system. The disciplinary measures, enforced on November 27 in case SC2022-0846, come after the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) determined Judge Culver breached several judicial conduct codes. Culver was found guilty of exhibiting abusive behavior and not upholding the required patience, dignity, and courtesy during court proceedings … Read more

Oklahoma Mental Health Department Agrees to Major Reforms After Lawsuit Over Inmate Treatment Delays

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Tulsa, Oklahoma – In a significant legal development, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit stemming from allegations of inmates enduring lengthy waits for vital mental health treatments while detained at the Tulsa County Jail. The lawsuit argued that the delays in treatment potentially spanned months to years. Under the terms of the settlement, the department has committed to several improvements, including the reassessment of all inmates currently awaiting treatment, an increase in staffing levels, and the expansion of available treatment beds. Furthermore, efforts … Read more

Redefining Success: New Initiatives Tackle Mental Health Crisis Among Lawyers

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In the high-stakes world of law, professionals often go to great lengths to meet the demands of their challenging careers, sometimes putting their mental health on the line. Juridical figures such as Jordana Confino, who has transitioned from a federal court law clerk to an adjunct law professor at Fordham University, have witnessed firsthand how the relentless pursuit of professional excellence can overshadow personal well-being. Confino revealed, during a recent webinar focused on positive psychology in legal practice, that at one point her exhaustive work ethic led her to a critical juncture where everything felt … Read more