Special
Focus Issue: Elder Abuse
In preparation of
Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the articles in this special
focus issue discuss a wide range of criminal and civil issues and remedies
that form the backbone of the justice system response to elder abuse.
Elder Abuse, Including
Domestic Violence in Later Life
by
Kate Speltz & Jane Raymond
Elder victims are
among the most socially isolated, physically vulnerable, and psychologically
conditioned to passivity of all victims of domestic violence. Read what
elder abuse is, who are the abusers, what agencies provide services, and
what lawyers and the judicial system can do to stop it.
Full Story
Ethical Considerations in Elder Abuse Cases
by
Betsy J. Abramson
Cases involving possible
issues of elder abuse raise ethical concerns ranging from the propriety
of "family representation," client identification, confidentiality, and
appropriate communication, to determining the client's competence, among
others.
Full Story
Remedying Abuse by Finance Agents
by Michele M. Hughes
Read what various
remedies attorneys may use in pursuing an agent under a power of attorney
for finances who has misappropriated funds or other property from the
elderly principal.
Full Story
Preventing Financial Abuse by Agents Under Powers of Attorney
by Ellen J. Henningsen
Financial abuse of
Wisconsin's elderly often occurs by agents acting with apparent authority
pursuant to Powers of Attorney. Here are some drafting tips attorneys
can use to reduce the risk that an agent will abuse the principal's trust.
Full Story
A Prosecutor's View of Elder Abuse
by William
E. Hanrahan
Wisconsin law provides
prosecutors with a panoply of legal tools to accommodate the elderly and
to effectuate the goals of a just society, including victims' rights legislation,
mandatory arrest, prompt intervention, and enhanced sentences.
Full Story
Accommodating the Elderly in Court
by Jean W. DiMotto
Judges and lawyers
should consider these environmental, case management, and procedural strategies
to better accommodate elderly adult victims while preserving defendants'
rights.
Full Story
Using Restraining Orders to Protect Elder Victims
by Tess Meuer
Attorneys need to
determine which of three restraining orders fit the victim's circumstance
and understand the legal benefits and disadvantages associated with each
type of order.
Full Story
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