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Brief of Mass. Med. Soc’y et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Medical organizations argue opioid use disorder is a brain disease requiring medication-assisted treatment. They contend the jail's policy of terminating treatment is outdated and dangerous, urging the court to order continued care.
Proposed Brief of Pub. Health Scholars as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Public-health scholars argue methadone is a safe, effective treatment for opioid use disorder. They contend defendants mischaracterize methadone and that forced withdrawal is not medically recommended.
Moore v. Texas
The Supreme Court ruled Texas violated the 8th Amendment by using outdated medical standards for intellectual disability in death penalty cases, rejecting current diagnostic criteria.
Covington v. State
The court upheld Edward Covington's death sentences for murder. His claims of bipolar disorder and cocaine abuse were rejected, as voluntary drug use diminished mitigation.
Screening, treatment initiation, and referral for substance use disorders
A new model called STIR, which includes medication at initial visits, shows promise for treating substance use disorders. Two studies found it effective in reducing tobacco and opioid use in emergency room settings.
Commonwealth v. Henry
The SJC ruled judges must consider a defendant's ability to pay restitution and cannot extend probation due to poverty. This reasoning has been used to challenge mandatory abstinence conditions.
Marshall v. Eyecare Specialties, P.C. of Lincoln
The Nebraska Supreme Court found alcoholism can be a disability under state law. However, the employee's firing was upheld, as it was due to performance, not her addiction.
Brief for Amici Curiae The Legal Action Center, et al., in Support of Appellants
Amici argue that New York law protects people with conviction histories from hiring discrimination by both direct employers and controlling third parties. They assert that entities dictating "no-hire" policies are liable.
Pollard v. Drummond
The court found that firing a coal miner for prescribed methadone use, without assessing his individual risk, might be disability discrimination. This raised questions about whether he posed a direct threat.
McFadden v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled the government must prove a defendant knew a substance was controlled to prosecute under the Analogue Act.
Cannabis Action Coalition v. City of Kent
The court affirmed Kent's ban on medical cannabis collective gardens, holding that state zoning law does not preempt municipal authority to regulate them.
US v. Kamper
The Sixth Circuit ruled that drug addiction alone does not justify a lighter sentence for child pornography distribution. The court found addiction insufficient grounds for a downward variance.
Kosilek v. Spencer
The court ruled a serious medical need can be a future harm risk, but found no indifference as staff reasonably offered alternative care.
Alvarado v. Westchester County
The court partly upheld claims from Westchester inmates alleging forced cold-turkey heroin withdrawal without medication violated their rights. Claims against Smithson and the Monell claim can proceed.
Lebron v. Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families
The court blocked Florida's law requiring suspicionless drug tests for welfare applicants. It found no special need to justify invading privacy without cause.