Mintz Levin Attorneys Play Key Role in Passage of Landmark Harassment Prevention Bill
2/9/2010
Boston, MA - Attorneys from Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C are applauding the enactment of Massachusetts legislation designed to protect individuals from stalking, abuse and sexual assault. Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill into law today.
The bill, which Mintz Levin attorneys took the lead in drafting on a pro bono basis, fills an important gap in Massachusetts restraining order law. Prior to the passage of this legislation, Massachusetts law only afforded victims of abuse the right to petition for a protection order if the perpetrator of abuse was a family member, roommate, current or former spouse, or a person with whom the victim had a substantial dating relationship.
"Now a disabled person who is being abused by a caretaker can get the protection they need, as can a child who has been sexually assaulted by a neighbor," said Susan M. Finegan, Chair of Mintz Levin's Pro Bono Committee. "By passing this bill, the Legislature reinforces the Commonwealth's commitment to public safety by providing law enforcement officials with the tools necessary to protect our most vulnerable population from abuse."
Mintz Levin credits the landmark passage of this legislation to the efforts of bill co-sponsors Senator Harriette L. Chandler and Representative Cory Atkins, and Representative Peter Koutoujian, who filed the original version of the bill. Senator Chandler and Representative Atkins, along with all the bill co-sponsors, have long been advocates for victim's rights.
In drafting the legislation, Mintz Levin attorneys sought the input of a number of District Attorneys, including District Attorneys Conley, Leone, Cruz and Scheibel, law enforcement, criminal defense attorneys, and advocates including the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, the Victims Rights Law Center, and Jane Doe, Inc., each of whom provided invaluable advice as to making the bill fair and effective.
The bill was initiated as the result of Mintz Levin's pro bono representation of a young woman who was repeatedly stalked and harassed by a group of her high school classmates. Then Mintz Levin first year associate Helen Guyton, determined that the woman was entitled to little, if any, protection under the existing laws. In order to fill that gap, Mintz Levin's team of pro bono attorneys became involved in the coordination and advocacy in changing the law, working closely with advocacy groups and the bill’s sponsors to gather necessary support and input. Heading up the effort was Ms. Finegan assisted by Ms. Guyton, Elissa Flynn-Poppey, Chair of the Firm's Government Law Practice, Dean Atkins and Project Analyst Valerie Young.
