By  Janai Woodhouse, CFCC Student Fellow (Fall 2020) Examining the Issue: What Is Access to Justice? Access to Justice is a systemic issue that addresses the problem  people of low socioeconomic status have in obtaining equal access to the legal process. The Access to Justice effort recognizes that only some people have access to the…

By Samantha Stephan, CFCC Student Fellow, Fall 2020 Child custody determinations are based on what is in the best interests of the child. Courts and the Maryland legislature have left the term “best interests of the child” defined broadly. Instead of a statutory definition containing specificity, which many states have, courts in Maryland consider a…

By Joshua Wade, CFCC Student Fellow, Fall 2020 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION A license to practice law is a tool possessed by few. According to the American Bar Association’s National Lawyer Population Survey,[1] as of 2020 there are approximately 41,000 active attorneys in the state of Maryland. While on its face that number may seem high, when…

By Alyssa Smith, CFCC Student Fellow, Fall 2020 Problem-solving courts are specialized dockets, usually within the criminal justice system, that seek to address the underlying problem(s) contributing to certain criminal offenses.[1] Generally, a problem-solving court involves a close collaboration among a judge(s), attorney(s), advocates, and a community service team to develop a case plan and…

By Marie Jensine Marcelino, CFCC Student Fellow, Fall 2020 Therapeutic Jurisprudence (“TJ”) is a legal framework or lens designed to consider and promote individuals’ psychological well-being. Healing, not punishment, is essential to Therapeutic Jurisprudence. Evaluating and understanding that every legal decision creates consequences for the individuals involved in a legal proceeding is critical to TJ.…