The murder of a young woman in Massachusetts raises new questions about the laws and the legal system in cases involving abusive relationships. Nineteen-year old Allison Myrick was stabbed to death, her ex-boyfriend charged with murder. Could the legal system have done more to prevent this tragedy? What can lawyers, judges and other legal professionals do to prevent similar tragedies?

This week on the legal-affairs podcast Lawyer2Lawyer, my cohost J. Craig Williams and I discuss these issues with Marsha Kazarosian, principal of Kazarosian Law Offices, and Judge Eugene M. Hyman from the Santa Clara County Superior Court in California. We consider how the legal system, lawyers, legislators and others can better protect victims in abusive relationships and what roles communities and families play in helping to prevent these tragedies.

Listen to or download the show from the Legal Talk Network.

Note: If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or contact Break The Cycle. You may donate in Allison Myrick’s honor on line at: www.breakthecycle.org/donate or by phone at, 310-286-3383 x805

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.