The UNH Criminal Defense Academy tackles the Indigent Defense Crisis

Friday, July 19, 2024Thursday, July 18, 2024

The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law’s (UNH Law) Criminal Defense Academy (CDA), spearheaded by professors Melissa Davis and Julian Jefferson, concluded its inaugural nine-month program this June. This comprehensive training aimed to expand the pool of qualified attorneys eligible for contract and assigned criminal cases in New Hampshire.

The unique approach of Dismas Home transforms trauma into triumph

Saturday, June 15, 2024Tuesday, May 14, 2024

“Dismas Home is kind of a unicorn in New Hampshire because we’re the only program in the state that serves exclusively justice-involved women,” says attorney Madeline Hutchings, vice chair of the Dismas board of directors. “After a period of incarceration, someone’s old life may not be there waiting for them. Dismas Home comes alongside its residents at every step of the process. Their recovery journeys are scaffolded by clinical and practical resources to help them become independently functioning members of the community.”

World’s first ‘robot lawyer’ short-circuited by prosecutors, now faces class action lawsuit

Monday, June 10, 2024Wednesday, April 19, 2023

I envisioned an Arnold Schwarzenegger lookalike wearing a suit bursting through the courtroom doors, which called to mind some questions: Would his titanium alloy endoskeleton set off the metal detectors? When court breaks for recess, will he say, “I’ll be back?”

603 Legal Aid Executive Director Sonya Bellafant resigns

Monday, June 10, 2024Sunday, March 19, 2023

“It has been an incredible opportunity here, but it’s also been a very heavy lift.” – Sonya Bellafant, 603 Legal Aid

Canine companions in the courtroom: Dogs in court may soon become common practice

Sunday, June 16, 2024Monday, October 24, 2022

Presently, 26 states have developed programs where judicial systems partner with facility dogs to support crime victims. 16 of those states have laws that allow the use of man’s best friend in legal proceedings, eight of which have legislation permitting their use to assist witnesses giving testimony in court.