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Langford v. Norris
The court allowed inmates' claims to proceed, finding officials were indifferent to inadequate care and a grievance system that blocked access to treatment.
Commonwealth v. Canadyan
The court overturned a probation violation for not wearing GPS. It ruled punishment cannot be based on circumstances beyond one's control, like homelessness.
In re F.C. III
The PA Supreme Court upheld Act 53, letting parents petition for minors' involuntary drug treatment. The civil, therapeutic process, based on medical review, satisfied due process.
Equal Employment Opportunity Comm'n v. Hussey Copper Ltd
Employers must individually assess methadone users' ability to perform jobs. A blanket denial violated the ADA, resulting in a settlement for the applicant.
People v. Becker
The court upheld a murder conviction, finding the defendant's methamphetamine use was linked to the crime. Drug use did not establish a successful mental state defense in this case.
RHJ Medical Center, Inc. v. City of DuBois
The court ruled the city violated disability laws by using zoning rules to block a methadone clinic. This action discriminated against individuals with protected disabilities.
Substance Use, Childhood Traumatic Experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an Urban Civilian Population
Childhood trauma significantly raises the risk of adult psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. Studies show a strong link between early trauma, PTSD, and substance use, with timing and type of trauma influencing outcomes.
Wyeth v. Levine
The Court ruled FDA drug label approval does not prevent state lawsuits over inadequate warnings. Injured patients can sue drug makers for insufficient information, as seen with Levine's Phenergan injection.
Erickson v. Pardus
The Supreme Court ruled a prisoner's claim of denied life-saving medical treatment for hepatitis C deserved a full hearing. This reinforced inmates' right to challenge prison medical care under the Eighth Amendment.
Malone v. State
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals upheld a death sentence. It ruled that drug-induced psychosis did not meet the legal insanity threshold, despite evidence the defendant suffered from it.
Kimbrough v. US
The Supreme Court ruled that judges can consider the sentencing differences between crack and powder cocaine when applying advisory guidelines.
New Directions Treatment Services v. City of Reading
The court reaffirmed drug addiction as a disability only if not currently using, while striking down discriminatory zoning against methadone clinics.
Grisham v. Philip Morris USA, Inc.
The court ruled a smoker's fraud and negligence claims against tobacco companies were not time-barred. This was because her nicotine addiction's delayed discovery impacted the statute of limitations.
Phillips v. Jasper County Jail
The court found jail staff may have ignored an inmate's seizure medication needs and bunk request, but dismissed claims against the jail doctor.
Wisconsin Community Services v. City of Milwaukee
The court ruled cities cannot discriminate against mental health and addiction centers when issuing special-use permits. These centers are entitled to reasonable accommodation under federal law.