Working with people with
developmental disabilities as…
As Victims
Crimes Against Adults with Disabilities
James Backstrom
Criminals target people with disabilities because they are often vulnerable adults who are not in a position to fight back or protect themselves.
Victims with Disabilities
James Backstrom
Individuals with disabilities are preyed upon far more frequently than individuals without disabilities. The biggest challenge facing our system of justice is ensuring crimes against these individuals are prosecuted and they are adequately represented in the process.
As Witnesses
Systems Changes
James Backstrom
Systemic changes have allowed law enforcement to work with vulnerable victims and receive specific training to do so. Historically, there was an assumption that individuals with disabilities were not competent to testify or serve as witnesses in a case.
Collaboration in the Courts
James Backstrom
Law enforcement and prosecutors work in collaboration with social services to more effectively communicate with vulnerable victims.
Stereotypes and the Justice System
James Backstrom
The most common stereotype regarding persons with disabilities is they cannot be competent witnesses, which is simply not true. Accommodations can be made to allow victims to testify in a variety of ways.
Stereotypes and Testifying
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
A problem major problem facing persons with disabilities testifying in court is that people view cognitive ability as an all or nothing proposition.
As Clients
Progress in the Justice System
Pamela Hoopes
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SUBJECT TO GUARDIANSHIP IN PROCEEDINGS
Parens Patriae
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
The “Parens Patriae” Doctrine provides the justification for the State to establish guardianships to protect people with disabilities, when necessary.
Purpose of a Guardianship
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
The purpose of a guardianship is to make the ward’s life better, not to make the guardian’s life easier.
Different Approaches to Surrogate Decision Making
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
Professor Wright explains the different approaches to surrogate decision-making by guardians.
Minnesota Law
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
Minnesota Law exempts guardianship hearings from pre-trial mediation proceedings.
Minnesota Law
Professor Jennifer L. Wright
Minnesota Law exempts guardianship hearings from pre-trial mediation proceedings.
