During the trial of a man convicted of a number of crimes, including residential burglary, one of his victims, an individual with developmental disabilities, was afforded a facility dog, Ellie.  On appeal defendant argued that affording the victim the aid of a facility dog was so prejudicial as to amount to a violation of his constitutional right to a fair trial.  The intermediate court of appeals rejected defendant’s argument but defendant has sought further review in the Washington Supreme Court. 

The unique and acute nature of the trauma experienced by child-victims of sexual abuse when images of their victimization are preserved and viewed by others is well-documented.

People with disabilities are victimized at staggering rates. Despite the disproportionate number of people with disabilities who are crime victims, crimes against them are under-investigated and under-prosecuted. The presenters, drawing from their daily practice, will share concrete examples of the barriers their clients face and articulate strategies for overcoming these. Attendees will learn about how disability rights and crime victims’ rights complement each other; and how to holistically assess the needs of crime victims to ensure that those with disabilities can be best served.

Access to justice requires competent legal advocacy, and yet too often victims of crime do not receive the legal representation that they need to protect their rights.  You can help!  On June 29, 2012, the country’s leading experts on victim law from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) will conduct a full day practical skills continuing legal education course* at Stanford Law School.