Veteran’s courts seek to rehabilitate offenders outside of jail

By Michael Martinez and Casey Wian, CNN, October 28, 2010 :: Read full article and view video »

Veteran by veteran, Orange County, California, Superior Court Judge Wendy Lindley is dispensing justice with tough talk and a little cheerleading to the former servicemen who’ve returned from war in Iraq or Afghanistan.  The vets are now convicted civilians in her court.

“Mr. Baker,” Lindley asks one veteran, “how long have you been sober? About four or five years… Welcome back to the human race. It’s great to have you around here.”  The gallery offers applause.