Veterans on Death Row
Description:
Although it is difficult to determine a precise number, it is estimated that approximately ten percent of the America’s 3,000 Death Row inmates are veterans. This program will explore the pathology of the approximately 300-veteran condemned inmate population. In particular the mental health implications of military service and combat will be examined in light of Supreme Court precedents such as Porter v. McCollum and Atkins v. Virginia. Among the issues to be discussed will be the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and military culture. The panel will also reflect upon what factors should be considered in determining the appropriate sentence for veterans convicted of capital crimes.
Speakers:
Dr. Jerid M. Fisher is a forensic neuropsychologist
Irina Komarovskaya, Ph.D. is the Clinic Director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the NYU Langone Medical Center
CAPT Art Cody USN (Ret) is the Legal Director of the New York State Defenders Association, Veterans Defense Program
Sponsors: Capital Punishment Committee, Art C. Cody, Chair, and COMAJ
