Collusion in the Courts: What Many Courts Do Not Want to Hear about Veteran Defendants

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Relevance of evidence is a decision made by judges in court proceedings. Many courts prohibit or object to allowing testimony related to military culture and other evidence related to veteran experiences in war. Many judges agree with prosecutors who object to the relevance of veteran defendant’s military experience and history. This session addresses these and other issues related to veteran defendants during legal proceedings, which includes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Epigenetics, and military culture influence on post-military behavior. Finally, the role of higher education in the prevention of veteran offending will be introduced.

Sub Unit

• Area I. Causes of Crime and Criminal Behavior / 5. Critical Class Perspectives

Individual Presentations

• The Never-Ending War: Veterans and the Fight Against PTSD - Brock Hunter, The Law Office of Brockton D. Hunter P.A.

• Epigenetics and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as Factors used in the Explanation of Veteran Criminal Behavior - Robert Stanulis, Licensed Forensic Neuropsychologist

• A Unique Approach to Address Potential Criminal Risk among Veterans through Higher Education - Kyle Rodgers, Western Oregon University

Chair

• William Bud Brown, Western Oregon University