I thought AA was for those who wanted and needed it Not for court systems
2006-12-03 08:06:32 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It depends on what part of the country you're in.
The New York Court of Appeals, The Second District Court of Appeals, The Third District Court of Appeals, The Seventh District Court of Appeals, and The Tennessee Supreme Court have all ruled that AA is at least "religious in nature" and mandated attendance violates the Establishment Clause.
If you are in one of those areas, it is illegal for them to mandate AA. If you are outside of those areas, you could choose to fight it, but you would still have to attend meetings; it would be a long and probably costly experience, but you would almost positively win.
The easiest course of action would be to go along with it until your time is up. I'd suggest you check out 12 Step Free, a yahoo group that debunks 12step groups. It's good to know what to watch out for: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12-step-free/
Also check out the Orange Papers: http://www.blamedenial.co.uk/orange/index.html
2006-12-03 17:45:52 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be legal if it is a term of the probation. Basically probation is a contract that you agree to for staying out of jail.
It appears the intent of the court is to get the offender some help in handling alcohol, since alcohol was deemed involved in the conviction of a crime.
If you do not like AA you can ask your lawyer or request the probation officer/board to consider another program that is and has similar results as AA.
2006-12-03 16:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is legal for a probation officer to make you attend AA but it is impossible for him to truly verify if you were there because of the anonymity of the group. If the group chairperson decides to sign your sign in sheet, it is at his discretion. Most just initial, anyone can do that for you. I suggest you attend though because he obviously feels you have a problem. Most probation officers send you to an outpatient program because there they can truly verify your presence. Good luck.
2006-12-03 19:09:58 · answer #3 · answered by jcanas34 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If this is YOU that you're referring to, go to AA and open your ears up. It's a good program (along w/ NA)...and if it's YOU who has a drinking problem, well then, ask yourself this: What is it that's going on w/ you that you have to go outside of yourself to feel good??? Just something to think on.
As far is it LEGAL for a PO to make you attend? Yep. They can tell you when to be home at night, tell you to leave your job to come in and report to them, tell you to pee on demand for analysis...when you're in the legal system, THEY call the shots, my friend.
2006-12-03 16:28:51 · answer #4 · answered by megamillions1m 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is legal if the judge orders you to attend. If a person is ordered to attend, one may think that the person might need and not want to admit it.
2006-12-03 16:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by gotseatbelts 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can make you do anything they want. Your a** belongs to them until you complete the probation. If you don't like the consequences maybe you shouldn't have broke the law.
2006-12-03 16:37:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is responsibility of court to educate you about alcoholism, hoping for your reform. just as anger management classes might be required for people who act out their anger inappropriately. sexual offenders get treatment for their problem . it is a preventative measure taken to abate the problem, hoping the problem doesn't get worse and result in yours or another's death due to intoxication.
2006-12-03 16:22:18 · answer #7 · answered by howcanibethiskind 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is part of the court order, YES.
2006-12-03 16:15:26 · answer #8 · answered by cowrepo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋