When a Seizure Looks Like Assault: Postictal Violence and Criminal Responsibility

The case that landed on my desk The case that landed on my desk seemed straightforward at first glance. A 26‑year‑old college graduate and former Marine had broken an emergency medical technician’s nose with a single punch after she responded to a late‑night call at his home. A few familiar scenarios came to mind: anContinue reading "When a Seizure Looks Like Assault: Postictal Violence and Criminal Responsibility"

The Great British Baking Show vs. the World According to Hollie Noveletsky

Recently, my wife and I have been binge watching “The Great British Baking Show.” I know we are late to the game, but better late than never. It may be the second greatest televised spectator sport ever. The best in NFL football. Both allow you to look up from your laptop browsing now and againContinue reading "The Great British Baking Show vs. the World According to Hollie Noveletsky"

You’re Welcome, New Hampshire: Bail, Theater, and the Myth of the Fix

In New Hampshire politics, there is nothing quite like a good victory lap. Recently we have seen leaders step up to the podium, flanked by law enforcement, and declare that their bail changes have “made us safer” because crime is down. The photo ops are impressive. I first heard about New Hampshire’s “fixed” bail systemContinue reading "You’re Welcome, New Hampshire: Bail, Theater, and the Myth of the Fix"

To Hell With Brand Narratives: Eat Trout

Kay and I and the Machatunim were staying at the Carton House in Maynooth, Ireland. Wikipedia describes it better than I could: Carton House is a country house and surrounding demesne that was the ancestral seat of the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster for over 700 years. Located 23 km west of Dublin,Continue reading "To Hell With Brand Narratives: Eat Trout"

Required Reading, Optional Enjoyment: Great Books, Terrible Assignments, and a Surprising Amount of Batman

The other day, I recalled something Eddie Izzard, the comedian, said in his memoir. He was talking about how Paul McCartney wanted to play some songs on the piano, so he just sat down and taught himself. An impressive feat, but Izzard added an interesting insight. He said that part of the reason Paul wasContinue reading "Required Reading, Optional Enjoyment: Great Books, Terrible Assignments, and a Surprising Amount of Batman"

15 Minutes of Fame: MSBP and Me

I never set out to be “the MSBP guy.” For a few years, though, if there was a high-profile Munchausen by proxy case in the news, there was a decent chance I’d end up on a plane, in a courtroom, or in front of a camera talking about it. Back in 1998, I had aContinue reading "15 Minutes of Fame: MSBP and Me"

Grand Juries, Secret Evidence, and the Comey Case

Sometimes it's a shock to realize that I have been working as a psychologist in the legal system for over 35 years. I've been a psychologist for longer than that but that was as a school psychologist and psychotherapist. I'm not a lawyer, but I do work closely with them, and you can't spend decadesContinue reading "Grand Juries, Secret Evidence, and the Comey Case"

The Northern Bank Heist of 2004

While we were returning to Belfast on the PaddyWagon bus, the driver pointed out the Danske Bank, which used to be the Northern Bank, and told us an interesting story about it. In December 2004, a gang walked away with £26.5 million in cash from Northern Bank’s headquarters just off Belfast’s City Hall. Since then,Continue reading "The Northern Bank Heist of 2004"

Disoriented in Dublin and Belfast

Let me collect my thoughts. Right now, Kay and I are at one of those airport hotels near the Dublin airport. Not bad, but no place you’d want to hang out for any length of time if you had options. Kay and I have a noonish flight out of here, and since we gain someContinue reading "Disoriented in Dublin and Belfast"

I Lost My Sandwich to Protect America. The Airline Served It Anyway.

On Thursday, after a 2-week trip to Ireland, my wife and I flew back to Boston on Aer Lingus. It’s a pretty easy trip by international flight standards, only about 6 hours in the air. We dropped our big bags and headed for Dublin Airport security screening. You know the drill: frantically empty your pockets;Continue reading "I Lost My Sandwich to Protect America. The Airline Served It Anyway."