Author: Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips is a journalist, editor, creator, IT consultant, and father. He writes about politics, family-court reform, and civil rights.
Explainers

ADA Accommodations in Court: What Disabled Defendants Are Entitled To — And What Happens When They Don’t Get Them

The concept of “due process” for disabled defendants transcends mere legal representation; it hinges on their ability to participate in proceedings. Accommodations are vital and not optional, as demonstrated in Marc Fishman’s case, where systemic barriers jeopardized his fair trial. A just system requires proactive access measures, not mere sympathy. Continue reading ADA Accommodations in Court: What Disabled Defendants Are Entitled To — And What Happens When They Don’t Get Them

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Explainers

The Marc Fishman Case, Explained in One Timeline

Marc Fishman’s case highlights systemic issues in the judicial process. Arrested during a supervised visitation in 2018, he claims crucial evidence was overlooked. In 2024, the New York AG documented misconduct by the arresting officer, yet Fishman’s appeal continues without resolution, raising significant transparency and accountability concerns. Continue reading The Marc Fishman Case, Explained in One Timeline

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Article, case files, disability rights, new-york

Justice Denied: Why Marc Fishman’s Case Matters to Every Disabled New Yorker

Marc Fishman’s case highlights the failures of New York’s justice system regarding disabled defendants. Despite clear exonerating evidence and acknowledgment of police misconduct, Marc remains convicted. His situation underscores systemic flaws in ADA compliance and prosecutorial ethics, raising concerns about the protection of disabled individuals within the legal framework. Continue reading Justice Denied: Why Marc Fishman’s Case Matters to Every Disabled New Yorker

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Article, case files, disability rights, Federal

A Case About Disability Rights, Due Process, and Meaningful Access

A federal civil-rights appeal in the Second Circuit addresses how police treat individuals with disabilities during arrest. Marc H. Fishman alleges New Rochelle police denied his accommodation request during questioning. The appeal emphasizes the need for meaningful access to justice for disabled individuals and challenges dismissals of such cases by lower courts. Continue reading A Case About Disability Rights, Due Process, and Meaningful Access

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case files, NY Court Admin

New York Courts Strengthen ADA Protections

On March 15, 2024, Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson introduced amendments to Part 52 of the Chief Judge’s Rules, permitting private disability accommodations (ex parte) for judges. This reform, backed by the Advisory Committee on Access for People with Disabilities, enhances privacy and ensures equal justice for individuals with disabilities in New York. Continue reading New York Courts Strengthen ADA Protections

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case files, lane schlesinger

Schlesinger Refused to Sign Evidence Certification Form – Transcript Confirms Police and DA Withheld Exonerating Video

Former New Rochelle Police Officer Lane Schlesinger refused to sign a mandatory evidence certification form, withholding 9.5 hours of police video footage and an audio call that could exonerate Marc Fishman. Fishman claims the District Attorney conspired with police to conceal exculpatory evidence, violating legal obligations for investigation. Continue reading Schlesinger Refused to Sign Evidence Certification Form – Transcript Confirms Police and DA Withheld Exonerating Video

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Letter, Virginia Foulkrod

Letter to Hudson Valley Justice Center Board – Disability Discrimination Complaint Against Attorney Virginia Foulkrod

Attorney Virginia Foulkrod of the Hudson Valley Justice Center faces accusations of violating federal disability laws while representing Jennifer Solomon in a custody case against Marc Fishman. Fishman claims Foulkrod improperly restricted his access to educational records as a disabled parent, misusing federal funds and breaching civil rights protections. Continue reading Letter to Hudson Valley Justice Center Board – Disability Discrimination Complaint Against Attorney Virginia Foulkrod

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Article

Supervised Visitation in Westchester County: A Probation-Run Program That Proves False Arrest

In 2018, disabled father Marc Fishman was arrested during a supervised court visitation with his son, raising issues of false arrest and civil rights violations. His case highlights systemic problems in Westchester County’s supervised visitation program, which operates under probation policy, potentially discriminating against disabled parents while compromising due process protections. Continue reading Supervised Visitation in Westchester County: A Probation-Run Program That Proves False Arrest

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Leticia James, Letter

FOIL Emails: AG Omitted Key Schlesinger Incidents From “Pattern Misconduct” Report

Summary Open Letter & Email Record From: Marc FishmanTo: Simone.Manigo@ag.ny.gov (Office of the NY Attorney General)Date: April 7, 2025Subject: Missing information in your “pattern misconduct and abuse report” on Lane Schlesinger (Executive Law § 75(5)(b) referral) Thank you for your report (1-793542917) designating Lane Schlesinger as the only Westchester officer flagged for “pattern misconduct and abuse.” I left multiple messages asking why my case was … Continue reading FOIL Emails: AG Omitted Key Schlesinger Incidents From “Pattern Misconduct” Report

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