Criminal & Traffic Law

Focus on the issues encountered in sentencing youthful offenders in criminal court, including recent Supreme Court cases Miller v. Alabama, People v. Buffer, and the many resulting cases interpreting the sentencing of juvenile and young adult offenders. Also included is a discussion about the statutory amendments made to the criminal code as a result of Miller, issues with youthful offender early parole, truth in sentencing, as it applies to juveniles and other related issues.

In the United States, 2020 was marred by controversial and highly publicized law enforcement actions that exposed inequalities in the American criminal justice system. This program focuses on 3 areas impacted by the Statewide Use of Force Standardization Act, or SAFE-T Act (The Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity – Today Act) and the related trailer bill, Public Act 102-28: (1) civil liability risk brought about as a result of these laws ; (2) police training requirements and body camera updates; and (3) police certification and discipline.