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https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2024/04/12/jurors-award-55m-to-dual-amputee-after-road-accident/

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Who is a Judge Advocate General?

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps of the US Army is a legal body within the government and ranks among the nation's largest legal institutions. JAG officers represent the Army and its personnel in all legal issues related to the military; they also offer crucial legal counsel to high-ranking Army leaders. Judge advocate generals are required to strive to achieve justice both domestically and internationally.

Judge advocates do not go through the basic training designed for enlisted Soldiers. Rather, they attend the Direct Commission Course (DCC), a six-week rigorous program focusing on physical training, weapons handling, and leadership skills to equip them for the role of an Officer. Once they finish the DCC, they will participate in the ten-and-a-half-week judge advocate basic training course. By engaging in both classroom learning and hands-on activities, they will delve into military law and gain comprehensive knowledge about the structure, operations, and objectives of the JAG Corps.

JAG Corps attorneys also receive training and work in a broad spectrum of legal areas, such as criminal prosecution and defense (courts-martial), family law, tax law, estate planning, contract law, immigration law, tort law, environmental law, landlord-tenant issues, and additional fields. They frequently acquire extensive courtroom experience well before their peers in the private sector.

The salary and perks offered for joining the JAG Corps are comparable with industry standards. The attorneys are appointed as lieutenants and generally advance within the first six to 12 months. They also enjoy numerous financial perks on top of their basic salary. These perks include but are not limited to, complementary healthcare and housing for those residing on base or a tax-exempt housing stipend for those opting to live off base.

The amount of housing allowances differs based on the area and frequently covers the full expense of the attorney's accommodation. Also, attorneys serving in the Judge Advocate General Corps qualify for public service loan forgiveness, and there are also specific student loan forgiveness programs offered by the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

After completing 20 years of service as judge advocates, attorneys qualify for military retirement perks. Attorneys in their late twenties could enlist in the JAG corps, complete 20 years of service, and be eligible for full military retirement benefits before reaching the age of 50. Afterward, they can exit the armed forces, possessing extensive experience and numerous employment opportunities.

The procedure for applying involves submitting an application that comprises transcripts from both college and law school, a curriculum vitae, recommendation letters, a motivation statement (resembling a cover letter or personal statement), LSAT results, a complete photograph, and additional requirements that may vary according to the specific branch of service. As part of the application procedure, attorneys are mandated to undergo an interview with a JAG officer. If they are then chosen for JAG, they must subsequently pass medical and background checks.

Every JAG division evaluates candidates by considering overall qualifications. While performance in law school is significant, it is not the sole criterion. The selection committees seek students and attorneys who exhibit leadership, dedication to public service, trial capabilities, and varied experiences in the Corps.

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Landmark ACLU Civil Rights Case on Facial Recognition Technology

Civil rights cases safeguard the basic rights of American citizens, regardless of their background, creed, or color. A prominent civil rights-related case represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) settled in June 2024. The case focused on Robert Williams, wrongfully arrested in January 2020 outside his home, with his family and neighbors watching due to flawed facial recognition technology.

A shoplifter had stolen several high-end watches from a Detroit Shinola retail store. The Detroit Police Department took a low-quality, blurry still image from surveillance video and gave it to the Michigan State Police to run through a face recognition program. The results indicated a possible match with Mr. Williams’ expired driver’s license photograph. However, he was nowhere near the scene.

The police used his photo in a lineup and showed it to a Shinola loss-prevention contractor not present at the scene. The contractor’s sole knowledge of the incident came from reviewing the same blurry surveillance footage.

Despite the unreliability of the evidence, the Detroit Police Department received an arrest warrant for Mr. Williams, arrested him, and detained him for 30 hours in a crowded cell. In early 2021, the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative at the University of Michigan Law School teamed up with the ACLU of Michigan to file suit for Mr. Williams. They held that the facial recognition technology did not function correctly and had a racial bias.

Mr. Williams' team also pointed to several recent false arrests due to facial recognition technology. They held that Detroit had no policy for face recognition technology or application by law enforcement. Further, the city had not trained officers to use such technology in investigations.

The case concluded with a precedent-setting settlement agreement establishing the most substantial policies on police department use of facial recognition technology nationwide. Moving forward, reliable, independent evidence connecting a suspect to criminal activity must back all results provided by the technology. The city will also audit similar cases dating back to 2017. In addition, the police cannot make arrests using photo lineups created with facial recognition technology.

Mr. Williams received a settlement of $300,000. He described feeling relieved that an implementation of safeguards would occur to prevent misuse of facial recognition technology. In addition, he told reporters: “Our hope [is to] live in a better world” due to the decision. He further clarified, “What we would like for them to do is not use [such technology] at all.” The ACLU notes that this case is significant for people of color, who have become subject to substantially higher misidentification rates by this technology.

In August 2023, the case had a pending status. Detroit police chief James White announced a set of new policies regarding facial recognition technology. These policies stemmed from a case involving a female suspect, eight months pregnant, who filed a wrongful carjacking charge claim. As White described it, law enforcement must provide other evidence beyond the use of technology that causes police to determine that a suspect possesses “means, ability, and opportunity to commit the crime.”

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Different Ways to Support Veterans

For many veterans, the return to civilian life is anything but smooth. They may face challenges fitting back into society. With the help of community members, the integration can be seamless.

The stress related to combat duty predisposes them to several mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects one in every four of the nearly 18 million American veterans. Some come home with limiting physical injuries.

One organization that has become synonymous with veterans with disabilities is Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a nonprofit that helps vets access medical help, employment, and other necessary resources to thrive. One way to further DAV’s efforts is to volunteer to drive vets to hospitals around the country.

There are also several opportunities to volunteer at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. The VA administers benefits (e.g., disability compensation, pension, education) to veterans or their families. The organization also helps veterans or their survivors navigate legal challenges and access benefits faster.

Of the 35,000 veterans experiencing homelessness, 15,000 are unsheltered. Recognizing the impact of homelessness, many nonprofit organizations, like Homes for Troops and Building Homes for Heroes, have programs where they build homes for vets. For people in the building and construction space, this can be a terrific opportunity to help house veterans. Donating cash, food, or clothes to veterans’ shelters is also a great way to improve veterans’ quality of life.

Unemployment is one of the leading contributors to homelessness among veterans. As such, hiring a vet or helping them secure a job helps keep homelessness at bay. Jobs also keep veterans engaged, helping them avoid recreational drugs that plague the veteran community.

Many veterans, especially those with disabilities, could use assistance getting around. Someone offering to drive them to the grocery store, the park means a lot. Another way to put a smile on a veteran’s face is to help them with their chores. It could be walking their dog, cutting their grass, or helping with grocery shopping.

Small gestures go a long way. Even just visiting and catching up with them can stave off loneliness. Many veterans struggle in silence. Lending them an ear makes them feel seen and connected. While at it, remember to thank them for their service. Send them a “Thank you” card. These gestures validate their choices and sacrifices.

Most challenges veterans face can be directly attributed to weak veteran-facing legislation. More vibrant veteran advocacy can help address this by amplifying vets' voices. There are several ways one can advocate for veterans’ rights at the various levels of government.

Attending town hall meetings and participating in the conversation is a powerful act of veteran advocacy. It helps spotlight veterans’ rights issues, such as equal access to employment and healthcare. Lobbying state legislators and congressional representatives on veterans-facing bills is also another way to raise awareness of the plight of veterans.

Veterans don’t exist only on Veterans Day. Millions of men and women who have given their lives for the country are re-entering society every day. And they need all the help they can get. They deserve to do more than survive. By making it a habit to help a veteran wherever one can, honoring and assisting veterans can become a culture, not a once-in-a-year event.