Reforming

Matthew J. Sanders Advocates for Reforming Administrative Law’s Impact on Environmental Policy in Insightful Interview

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Stanford, California — Matthew J. Sanders, an authority in the realm of environmental law, underscores the significance of procedural guidelines within the shifting dynamics of administrative law. In an interview, Sanders discussed his professional journey and the evolution of the regulatory landscape, advocating for reforms to enhance clarity, fairness, and consistency. Sanders points to climate change as a pressing issue that has transformed environmental priorities over the last few decades. He urges the federal government to modernize its regulatory frameworks in response to these growing environmental concerns. In his view, regulatory bodies must have the … Read more

Reforming Jamaica’s Jury System: A Call for Efficiency and Inclusivity in Justice

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Kingston, Jamaica — The experience of serving on a jury came with a unique blend of responsibility and observation for one Jamaican former parliamentarian, who recently reflected on his appointment in connection with a high-profile inquest. The former official, who received a summons for jury duty in December 2015 after his tenure in parliament, was called to serve on the jury for the Special Coroner’s Court related to the tragic death of Vanessa Wint, a state ward who allegedly took her own life while at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre. Despite having the option to … Read more

Reforming Expungement: States Push for ‘Clean Slate’ Laws Amid Ongoing Barriers for Ex-Offenders

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Charleston, West Virginia — A growing number of states are exploring “clean slate” legislation aimed at simplifying the process for automatically sealing records related to most misdemeanor charges. However, West Virginia is falling behind in this effort, with experts highlighting significant flaws in the state’s existing criminal record-keeping system. According to Logan Seacrest, a resident fellow specializing in criminal justice at the R Street Institute, West Virginia uses a complicated petition-based approach to expunging criminal records, which can be both expensive and overwhelming for many residents. He pointed out that when individuals are unable to … Read more

Editorial Perspective: The Delicate Balancing Act of Reforming Involuntary Commitment Laws

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In states across the U.S., the use of involuntary commitment laws, designed to mandate treatment for individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others due to mental illness, is being intensely scrutinized. These laws, pivotal in mental health crisis interventions, raise significant questions about civil liberties and the balance between individual rights and community safety. Involuntary commitment, or civil commitment, involves detaining a person with mental health disorders in a psychiatric hospital against their will—predicated on evaluations by mental health professionals and adherence to legal criteria. These measures are most common when a person is … Read more