An Arctic Judge's Journey with FASD

Abstract

A trial court judge knowledgeable about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders struggles with adapting the operations of his court to the needs of FASD-affected individuals in the Alaskan Arctic. His background in learning about FASD through cases and training and the methods he has brought to the Barrow Superior Court to attempt to make the justice system more understandable and fair to persons affected by FASD are described. His frustration at not being able to evaluate the degree of impairment from FASD experienced by the affected persons in the courtroom and the appropriate accommodations needed for each person are also described.