Judges Consider New Factor at Sentencing: Military Service – The Wall Street Journal

With an increasing number of veterans entering the criminal justice system, some jurisdictions have responded by considering military service as a mitigating factor during sentencing. Due to the heightened risk of combat veterans developing behavioral and psychological issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, some states have established specialized Veterans Courts with the goal of keeping veterans out of prison, when appropriate. Instead, some veterans are being sentenced to probation, mental health treatment programs, and/or substance abuse programs. However, some critics have expressed concern that specialized courts for veterans could risk the creation of a two-tier justice system. Read more on The Wall Street Journal.