BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Veterans Special Treatment For Veterans?

My latest Veterans article http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art15518.asp outlines how Buffalo, NY has created a Veterans Treatment Court for small time offenders who happen to be Veterans. Does this constitute special treatment for Veterans, or is it the right thing to do?

Let me know.

I believe this is just like the DA looking at a case before hand and deciding whether or not to take something to trial based on the defendant's state of mind.

Except the DA is not just totally throwing the case out the window (where the person would not only not be puniched, but would also never receive any help) - but instead is directing them to a place that is more serving of their needs.

It has been pointed out in other threads that our legal system is more about rehabilitation than punishment - especially for 1st offenders and misdemeanors.

Now, of course, if we are talking rape or murder - that would be a different story. But I am pretty sure your article mentioned misdemeanors and non-violent, lesser crimes.

I'm not familiar with how DA's (district attorneys) do or do not operate, but it makes sense to attempt to rehabilitate if possible and punish harshly in the event it doesn't work.

In this case, the Veterans Treatment Court is based on the already somewhat successful Drug Treatment Court already in use in Buffalo, NY.

There is an area of thought concerning illegal drug use to treat it as a health concern rather than strictly a legal problem. Obviously the "drug war" hasn't worked so the public health option might actual combat the problem in a better way with better results. Treatment, counseling, etc.

Many veterans in trouble with the law are having trouble with adjustment disorders following combat, PTSD, and anger issues that also may respond better to treatment, counseling, etc, rather than just incarceration and punishment.

Time will tell.