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Definitions of Political Terms
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Wyoming Constitution: Article 1, Section
13...Until otherwise provided by law, no person shall, for a felony, be
proceeded against criminally, otherwise than by indictment, except in cases
arising in the land or navel forces, or in the militia when in actual service
in time of war or public danger.
Good afternoon!
The phrase, guardians ad litem, refers to an
advocate appointed by the court to speak up for the interests of a youth who
is caught up in the court system. I just found out there is a bill that
relates to this subject, HB #314; Guardiums ad litem sponsored by
Representative Simpson.
We will be watching this one because it is a
critical issue. Youngsters who are involved with the court system have not
been getting the best possible representation in the recent past, and reform
is needed. They are kids in crisis and we are letting them down.
The State needs to cough up some of that extra
cash, and start paying the private attorneys who do this work a fair fee to
represent the minors who need a voice. Many great attorneys have been
basically volunteering their time to do the right thing, but they are not
sufficient to cover all of the waterfront.
As I mentioned before, this issue has been on
the Legislative backburner for at least 4 years, but has never had the benefit
of a push from any of the Legislative heavyweights, so nothing has changed at
the State level. One major problem has been that funding this program is a
county responsibility, but there is no dedicated stream of funding for it. The
counties have many programs they must fund, and the kids have no lobbyists to
speak for them, so they have been left behind.
The bill is getting a late start, but perhaps
with a push from a few interested parties, it will be able to break out of the
pack and move ahead.
Until tomorrow....highho hippies!!
Keith
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