CommunicationFIRST is pleased to announce it has joined other civil and disability rights groups in filing a brief led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Britney Spears' conservatorship case.
The amicus curiae (or “friend of the court”) brief urges the judge presiding over Ms. Spears’ conservatorship to allow her to choose her own attorney to represent her interests in this case. Ms. Spears has been denied this right, a fact that the brief argues goes against basic principles of autonomy, agency, personal liberty, and self-determination.
The brief points out that, “Ms. Spears has indicated her desire to select her own attorney,” and encourages the judge to ensure she has the supports she needs to make that decision herself, “with access to adequate information, and with neutral supports, if she wants such supports.” It also encourages the judge to ensure Ms. Spears has the communication tools she needs, including “confidential access to communication mechanisms such as telephone, internet, and videoconferencing platforms.”
Finally, the court is urged to offer Ms. Spears access to supported decisionmaking tools, including working with neutral and trusted advisors, in selecting a new attorney.
You can read the full amicus brief here.
Read the ACLU’s statement here.