Know No Strangers
Welcome to the Know No Strangers Podcast, where attorney and legal advocate Bill Robinson shares life lessons and inspiration. Learn more at https://www.williamcrobinsonattorney.com/
Know No Strangers
Ep 34 - The Invisible Crisis: Mental Health in the US Jail System
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William C. Robinson
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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In this episode, Attorney William Robinson explores the sobering reality that America's largest mental health institutions are no longer hospitals—they are jails.
Drawing on his experience in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit, Robinson discusses:
- The Structural Reality: Why 2 million people with serious mental illness are booked into US jails every year.
- The Miami Model: How Judge Steve Leifman’s diversion programs are saving lives and millions of taxpayer dollars.
- The Lawyer’s Ethical Duty: A deep dive into Florida Bar Rule 4-1.14, which guides how attorneys must protect the dignity and autonomy of clients with diminished capacity.
- A Roadmap for Families: Practical legal pathways, including the Baker Act, guardianship, and protective orders.
Mental health doesn't check voter registration—it affects every family. Join us as we discuss why shifting from incarceration to treatment isn't just "soft on crime," it's smart governance.