Let’s Talk about the Law - Mental Illness and Legal Matters, Part One

Guest: Judge Lisa Wexler, Connecticut

In past episodes we’ve had the chance to talk with social workers, psychiatrists and other practitioners about the “flaws” in the system to get help for people with schizophrenia - get them off the streets, into treatment, and stable. 

Many of our listeners have shared frustrations with the law, confusion about the process, and want to know more. Today we get the story from the other side of the bench.

Judge Lisa Wexler (https://www.lisawexler.com/ )has been a probate judge in Connecticut since 2013. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and NYU School of Law. She has practiced law in NY and CT for many years and is also a professional mediator . Lisa is also the creator of The Lisa Wexler Show, a daily talk radio show airing on WICC-600 in suburban CT and metro NY. 

We Talk About: Part One

Commitment laws in CT and the abilities of conservators. 

• Can medication for schizophrenia or other SMI (serious mental illness)  be legally required? Enforced? In what circumstances/places?  By whom (who has the authority)? 
• Hospitalization/ Involuntary commitment in mental illness
• Hearings re disability, etc.
• What’s it like on your side of the bench? What goes into the judgments you make regarding mental illness and conservatorship? What do you look for when you meet someone who may need to be conserved?
• Who make the best conservators? Family members or professional conservators?
• What is the “black robe effect?” Does it work?

Much more to come in Part Two, episode 13

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Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman