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Kansas legislature considering bill for PTSD-based sentence reductions for veterans

By Douglas A. Berman

As noted previously on this blog, there have been some notable recent examples of judges reducing a sentence based on the hardships a defendant previously suffered as a result of military service. Now, as detailed in this local article from Kansas, this concept is getting some legislative attention: Judges would be able to reduce sentences for defendants who are combat veterans and have post-traumatic stress disorder, under a bill being considered by the Kansas Legislature. The measure is being pushed by state Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, who said his aim is to assist returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who become entangled in the criminal justice system to get the help they may need if they are suffering from PTSD. ?They are returning from very stressful situations,? Sloan said...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on January 27, 2010 (boomark / email).