Intersecting Law and Mental Health

Stalking

What Constitutes a Threat Amidst Stalking on Facebook?

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on May 23, 2023

The Supreme Court must decide if threats made in a stalking case on Facebook are defined by the intent of the perpetrator or through the eyes of the victim.

The Supreme Court must decide if threats made in a stalking case on Facebook are defined by the intent of the perpetrator or through the eyes of the victim.

Law and Crime

Idaho College Slayings: Does Motive Matter?

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on January 7, 2023

Motive plays an essential role in sense-making at various stages of the criminal justice process for the jurors and layman.

Motive plays an essential role in sense-making at various stages of the criminal justice process for the jurors and layman.

Domestic Violence

Lost Girl: The Gabby Petito Case

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on September 26, 2022

An examination of the case of Gabby Petito and how trauma-informed investigation in domestic violence cases may help save victims' lives.

An examination of the case of Gabby Petito and how trauma-informed investigation in domestic violence cases may help save victims' lives.

Health

Passing the Bar or Passing Out There? Lawyer Mental Health

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on September 22, 2022

Lawyers are primed to study for the bar and then later die there. The legal profession has a high prevalence of attorney alcohol abuse and mental health deterioration.

Lawyers are primed to study for the bar and then later die there. The legal profession has a high prevalence of attorney alcohol abuse and mental health deterioration.

Suicide

No Way Out: Supreme Court Disempowers 6th Amendment Defense

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on June 2, 2022

Dismantling the 6th Amendment's defense for prisoners may increase death row syndrome, which includes symptoms of psychosis and suicide.

Dismantling the 6th Amendment's defense for prisoners may increase death row syndrome, which includes symptoms of psychosis and suicide.

Health

The Connection Between Mental Health and Abortion Rights

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on May 20, 2022

The loss of control over one’s body may trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ideation, and suicidality, among other potentially disabling disorders.

The loss of control over one’s body may trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ideation, and suicidality, among other potentially disabling disorders.

Trauma

The Need for Trauma-Informed Interrogation

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on May 2, 2022

A mother's execution is halted given new evidence of innocence and abusive interrogation process.

A mother's execution is halted given new evidence of innocence and abusive interrogation process.

Anxiety

Voiding Mask Mandate on Public Transportation Has Potential for Disaster

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on April 21, 2022

A Florida judge voided the mask mandate on public transportation despite CDC recommendations. Is disaster looming?

A Florida judge voided the mask mandate on public transportation despite CDC recommendations. Is disaster looming?

Domestic Violence

Re-Traumatizing Domestic Violence Victims

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on April 20, 2022

A no-drop prosecutorial policy disempowers victims while re-abusing them.

A no-drop prosecutorial policy disempowers victims while re-abusing them.

Law and Crime

Death by Firing Squad: Barbarism of the Mind

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on April 18, 2022

Forcing a death row inmate to choose execution by firing squad is tantamount to barbarism of the mind.

Forcing a death row inmate to choose execution by firing squad is tantamount to barbarism of the mind.

Health

A Cry for Help in the Brooklyn Subway Shooting

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on April 15, 2022

A shooter's cries for help turn gruesome.

A shooter's cries for help turn gruesome.

Forgiveness

"Blame Her": The Cultural and Legal Phenomenon of Accusing Women

Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW on April 13, 2022

Blaming Jada: The use of "toxic femininity" in our culture and legal system.

Blaming Jada: The use of "toxic femininity" in our culture and legal system.