"I am convinced that teaching people the basics of our legal system will lead to more community involvement, which will in turn benefit not just the students, but their children and their entire community."
--Amanda DuBois
Teach Our War Veterans about the Criminal Justice System
Close to two million military personnel have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Up to 50% will experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities as a result of serving their country. Veterans with PTSD and physical disabilities will need legal education to help them understand their rights at work and the criminal justice system.
The American public is generally unaware that, due to the nature of the conflicts in the Middle East, a large number of returning veterans experience PTSD and TBI, putting them at risk for legal problems. Many of these veterans are coming home and enrolling in community colleges for workforce training. A good understanding of their legal rights will greatly help them successfully navigate back into civilian life.
As an example of why legal education for veterans is so important, a recent study on veterans in the criminal justice system found that veterans exposed to combat trauma with resulting PTSD are known by clinicians to be at risk of increased criminal behavior as a result of physical and mental trauma.
It is our duty to provide veterans with a basic legal education so that they will understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to the criminal justice system in particular, but in other areas of life as well.
Civil Survival can provide legal education materials for programs supporting veterans and their families. Our book series and online education sites can help military personnel understand basic legal rights and responsibilities.
