This series provides information regarding current scientific and legal issues related to dementia, as well as current efforts to prepare the judiciary for an expected increase in the prevalence of dementia.

Dementia and the Law: Introduction

Federal Judicial Center Director John Cooke introduces this series, which is designed to provide a scientific and legal understanding of dementia.

Dementia and the Law: Scientific Medical Perspective

James Noble, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University, explains the science of dementia and what is necessary for a proper dementia diagnosis. Dr. Noble also discusses how dementia might affect behaviors before the courts and the types of issues judges are likely to see in their courtrooms.

Dementia and the Law: Legal Perspective

Senior Judge Jed Rakoff (S.D.N.Y.) discusses what courts should know about dementia and how dementia can affect not only the individuals before the courts but also the types of cases and claims that might arise.

Dementia and the Law: One State’s Approach

Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, Supreme Court of Illinois, and Illinois Statewide Behavioral Health Administrator Scott Block share their state courts’ approach to issues related to dementia.

Dementia and the Law: Helpful Tips for Courts and Judges

Dr. Melissa Batchelor, Director of the Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University, shares a number of tips for how judges and courts can identify individuals living with dementia, as well as what courts can do to accommodate these individuals in legal settings. 

Dementia and the Law: Conclusion

Senior Judge Jed Rakoff (S.D.N.Y.) delivers concluding remarks.

Federal Judicial Center media programs present a variety of viewpoints. Viewpoints expressed by program participants are not necessarily those of the Center.