Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender Populations
Domestic violence has a stereotypical picture associated with it for most Americans. But the truth is, violence in intimate relationships isn’t just a problem between burly men and their fragile wives. It can be a matter of women abusing men, men harming male partners, or women battering female partners. Something most people may not… Read More »
How Reliable Is Expert Testimony Related Deaths In Custody?
It’s far from uncommon for police to deploy tasers in an attempt to mollify suspects. Supposedly, it is short of lethal force, and to be used with non-compliant individuals. Even so, there are over 500 recorded deaths related to the use of Tasers in this country in the last decade or so. Grieving families… Read More »
When Medical Bills Turn Your Life Upside Down
Allyson and Marcus Ward know what medical debt can do to life. Their twins were born weeks before Allyson’s due date and were then diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Before they knew it, they were facing thousands of dollars in medical bills. They were insured, but many of the therapies were deemed inessential by their… Read More »
Eight Myths About Domestic Violence
With as rampant as domestic violence is in this country, it’s surprising how many misconceptions there are about it. The fact of the matter is, women suffer from battery more often than any other kind of injury in America. Domestic violence causes more injuries than car accidents, rape, and mugging combined. Perhaps it’s time… Read More »
When Technicalities Mar The Quest For Justice
Prisoners’ rights were dealt a major blow recently when the Supreme Court ruled that the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) of 1996 may eliminate the power of the federal court to reverse decisions made in the lower courts. The majority opinion writer, Justice Clarence Thomas, argued that the issues of serial litigation… Read More »
No One Is Immune To Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence and are burdened with guilt and shame for your part in it, it’s time to push those feelings aside and recognize that domestic violence can happen to anyone. It’s not exclusive to particular races, genders, sexual identities, religions, or income levels. In fact, many… Read More »
Bankruptcy: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
If you’re so overwhelmed with debt and nasty creditors that you feel like you have nowhere to turn, keep your chin up. There are actually options that, while serious steps, can be incredibly useful. So say goodbye to your financial anxieties by considering the option of filing bankruptcy. The Good Perhaps you’ve only heard… Read More »
Connections Of Domestic Violence To Violence Against Children
The children were tied up and face down on their beds when police found them. They were just three and five years old. The 41-year old mother had a history of violent relationships, and possibly mental illness as well. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) had interacted with the family for years,… Read More »
Seniors Considering Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is no picnic, and for senior citizens it may be particularly challenging. After spending a lifetime with your nose to the grindstone, it can be devastating to be faced with financial insolvency due to surprise medical bills or other significant issues when you are on a fixed income. Even for seniors on the… Read More »
Florida Physicians May Face Criminal Charges Now That Roe V. Wade Is Overturned
Current Law In Florida current statute defines gestation as “between fertilization and birth,” and abortions may legally be performed up through the 24th week of pregnancy. After that period, abortion is still legal if two certifying physicians believe that either of the following is true: The woman’s life or physical health is in serious… Read More »