Legal Lessons Learned: Britney Spears’ Impact on Conservatorship Laws | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Legal Lessons Learned: Britney Spears’ Impact on Conservatorship Laws

Explore how Britney Spears' case has spotlighted conservatorship laws, prompting discussions on legal reforms and personal rights.

2
Legal Lessons Learned: Britney Spears’ Impact on Conservatorship Laws
Photo by Mathew Browne on Unsplash

The end of Britney Spears' conservatorship was a celebration. After shocking allegations of abuse and misuse of power came to light, her freedom felt long overdue. However, it also sparked discourse on the legalities of conservatorships and their implications for individuals' health. Now, lawmakers are proposing new rights for those under court-ordered guardianships.

A Closer Look at Britney Spears' Conservatorship

Britney Spears became locked into her conservatorship in 2008 when a series of public controversies and meltdowns raised concerns about her mental well-being. Her father, Jamie — who served as co-conservator — was given control over her career, estate and medical decisions, leaving Britney powerless over her life.

An emergency conservatorship gives the conservator authority for up to 60 days, at which time they can file a petition for permanent guardianship. Britney's conservatorship lasted 13 years until November 2021, after she took her father to court to end his jurisdiction, citing emotional, physical and financial abuse.

In a gutting court testimony, Britney accused Jamie of forcing her to go on tour, take medication she didn't want and undergo hospitalization several times. Court documents also showed she was issued an allowance of $2,000 weekly while her father took over $16,000 monthly for his salary, not including the exorbitant payments to the conservatorship's parties.

She also alleged he bugged her phone and set up cameras and audio recorders to monitor her correspondences and life inside her home. Alex Vlasov — who spent nine years working as Spears' security team member while an employee at Black Box — described her life as living in a prison.

Determining if your phone is bugged is not always clear. A static sound or background voices may indicate someone's listening in, while performance issues and delayed shutdown might be other signs.

Regardless, Britney's lawyer, Mathew S. Rosengart, said the unauthorized monitoring and intercepting violated her privacy rights and demonstrated how she was denied civil liberties under the arrangement.

Public Perception and the #FreeBritney Movement

Britney Spears' case resonated with Gen Z and millennials, the latter of whom grew up when her pop career exploded. After years of suspicion over the terms of her conservatorship, fans created a social media advocacy campaign called #FreeBritney. Others started the "Britney’s Gram" podcast, where they analyzed her posts for abuse. The public outcry led to sweeping media coverage over Britney's individual rights.

This isn't surprising, though. Young people are particularly focused on mental health issues and autonomy. According to one study, 29% of young adults reported depression, while 36% reported anxiety. They are also known to strongly oppose human rights violations.

Criticism and Calls for Conservatorship Reform

Ms. Spears' conservatorship sparked a wave of criticism from politicians and organizations, demanding reform for such measures of control. Previous reports indicate that 1.3 million people are under conservatorships in the United States, making it difficult for them to speak up about abuse or fight for their autonomy. Sadly, Spears' situation is not an anomaly.

Lawmakers and Congress have introduced the Guardianship Bill of Rights Act, which allows those under conservatorships to try less restrictive measures first and establishes fair rights — this includes letting them appoint their own advisors.

They've also called for new procedures for effectively selecting guardianship, reviewing cases and ending arrangements.

Possible Legal Changes for Future Conservatorships

Passing legislation like the Guardianship Bill of Rights Act would be life-changing for people in conservatorships. However, there are specific issues legal experts should concentrate on the most.

  1. Increase Scrutiny Over Conservators

Whether you ask the fans or Britney herself, most agree there should have been better scrutiny over her father's role. In actuality, the incapacitated person might be denied legal counsel if an attorney isn't available within 60 days. This often leads to certain mandates being ignored, as well as inadequate supervision and removal of conservators who abuse their power.

  1. Deliver More Rights and a Path Forward for Conservatees

While life after Britney's conservatorship hasn't been perfect, its repeal helped her regain her independence. She's once again in charge of her career, having released a memoir in 2023 and new music with Elton John. She was also allowed to remove her intrauterine device — something she was forced to get during the arrangement to prevent pregnancy.

Ultimately, new conservatorship provisions should deliver a path toward freedom for conservatees, with the ability to set themselves up for success with adequate counseling and care.

  1. Balance Protection With Autonomy and Dignity

Most importantly, there must be a balance between protecting the conservatee and maintaining their dignity and individual rights. California's governor, Gavin Newsom, signed Senate Bill (SB) 43 in 2023, updating the state's conservatorship rules. Several prominent figures praised the changes.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said nobody should accept inhumane or dangerous conditions as the norm for people living with mental illness or substance abuse. Senate Health Committee Chair Senator Susan Eggman also praised SB 43 for upholding a robust due process and extending the criteria for those determined to be "gravely disabled." This will allow individuals who need extensive care to receive it with dignity.

Handle With Care: Changing Conservatorships for the Better

Current conservatorships have too many failures and loopholes, putting the conservatee at risk of harm. Britney Spears' case underscored the need for legal changes to make these arrangements safer and more valuable to individuals needing extra care and support.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

445107
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

18618
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

42646
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21962
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

322380
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments