Criminal Law Library BlogArticles Posted in American Bar Association
The Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Mental Health Standards, With Commentary
Adopted August 2016; Revised Commentary 2017 and 2024.
FROM THE INTRODUCTION:
Persons with mental disorders are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. Studies suggest that anywhere from 16 to 24% of people in jails and prisons have a serious mental illness.1 This rate is three to 12 times higher than the rate of serious mental disability in the community, 2 and at least three times higher than the population in psychiatric hospitals.3 It also represents a vast increase over the incarceration rate of people with mental disability 30 years ago, when the first edition of these Standards was promulgated.4 If mental disorder is defined more broadly, to include personality disorders, the percentages involved in the criminal system skyrocket to over 50%.
ABA Criminal Justice Section, Events March 21-26, 2025
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Justice Jackson to Speak at the 40th White Collar Crime Institute
The White Collar Crime Institute of the American Bar Association is considered the “premier gathering for legal professionals specializing in white-collar crime”. It is being held in Miami, FL , March 4-7, 2025. For additional information and registration, click here.
The ABA Supports the Rule of Law
A message from William R. Bay, President of the American Bar Association, February 10, 2025:
It has been three weeks since Inauguration Day. Most Americans recognize that newly elected leaders bring change. That is expected. But most Americans also expect that changes will take place in accordance with the rule of law and in an orderly manner that respects the lives of affected individuals and the work they have been asked to perform.Instead, we see wide-scale affronts to the rule of law itself, such as attacks on constitutionally protected birthright citizenship, the dismantling of USAID and the attempts to criminalize those who support lawful programs to eliminate bias and enhance diversity.
2025Privacy and Emerging Technology National Institute
An event hosted by the American Bar Association Science and Technology Law Section.
” Hosted by the ABA Science & Technology Law Section (SciTech), the Privacy and Emerging Technology National Institute combines Privacy with the Section’s Spring Meeting (PRISM). And like a prism, this enlightening conference provides you with opportunities to see and understand privacy and emerging technology legal issues in a different and transformative way. Network with top attorneys, policymakers, and industry experts. Earn 10 CLE credits, including 1 hour of ethics.”
March 20, 2025 – March 21, 2025.
ABA Privacy and Computer Crime Webinar on UN Cybercrime Convention
From the ABA Cybercrime Committee of the Criminal Justice Convention
“Please see attached abstract and registration information for a webinar our committee is putting on with the Cybercrime Committee of the Criminal Justice Section on the newly adopted UN Cybercrime Convention: Overview & Impact. I hope you will be able to attend. Please feel free to share the abstract with others or post it online!”
WEBINAR:
ABA: Senior Lawyers Roundup
From the Senior Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association:
National Town Hall on Scams and Older Adults
Watch an update on scams targeting elders sponsored by CFPB, FDIC and AARP.
ABA: 2024 A Year of Accomplishments, 2025 A New Year of Challenges
A special message from American Bar Association President William R. Bay:
“Our country is turning 249 years old in 2025, and the American Bar Association has been part of it for 147 years. Throughout that time, we have seen many changes as we strive to be a stronger nation and association.
The ABA has a wonderful tradition and history, but we are grateful that we are an association and profession that has embraced change. Unlike when the ABA was founded, we now welcome all who wish to become part of the profession. One thing has not changed. The ABA is committed to the rule of law and the cause of justice. This remains our goal tomorrow and for 100 years from tomorrow. As ABA president, I have emphasized the challenges we face as a profession and reiterated that the biggest challenge is the challenge of change. But change will not alter our core values and beliefs. Instead, it will allow us to extend our reach.