Social Law Library

The first session will explore the scope and impact of substance use disorders within the legal profession. Current research, trends, and contributing factors unique to legal culture will be discussed. An Attorney with lived experience will offer a powerful story of struggle and recovery.

Part 1: Understanding the Legal Landscape & Part 2: Treatment, Healing, and Renewal

During the Salem Witch Trials more than 300 years ago, Salem was a small town without enough government officials or resources to conduct mass trials. Boston, the capital of the province, and Bostonians inevitably got drawn into the frenzy. Defendants from Salem were sent to, escaped from, and died in Boston’s jail. Bostonians were accused of witchcraft.

As in his past lectures, Judge Stearns will focus on the criminal law decisions of the Supreme Judicial Court with occasional comparisons with the few pertinent U.S. Supreme Court cases decided in this last term. While (as of the time of this description) Judge Stearns has not singled out any of what he would consider “blockbuster” cases, he has identified several procedural and legal decisions taken by the Court that he believes are of enduring significance.

The second session will focus on treatment, recovery, and the process of returning to personal and professional well-being.