Code Of Conduct: 17th Annual Law And Society Week Casts A Spotlight On Grand Juries And Judicial Ethics

Contact: Linda Wallace, 215-751-8082, liswallace@ccp.edu
Annette John-Hall, 215-751-8021, anhall@ccp.edu

PHILADELPHIA—Community College of Philadelphia’s 17th Annual Law & Society Week (Feb. 29- March 4) examines some issues making headlines in the City such as judiciary ethics; the grand jury system, homeland security, ethics in city government, and more.

The legal system touches every American in a variety of ways. Law and Society Week was established to inform students and the general public of emerging legal issues and trends, while providing practical advice from respected experts. More than two dozen workshops, lectures, panel discussions and demonstrations during the week are free and open to the public.

“When students see how law relates to the technology they use, the food they eat, and just about every topic imaginable, that’s a real light bulb moment for them,” explains Kathleen M. Smith, J.D., director of the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society. Smith launched the annual Law and Society Week 15 years ago with the help of her husband David Freeman J.D., an associate professor of Social Science at the College. Many events qualify for continuing legal education (CLE) credits – pre-registration is not required, all sessions are free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, March 1, Philadelphians are invited to get a closer view, and better understanding of the grand jury system. A free workshop will conduct a special session which will simulate a grand jury review of a police shooting. The audience will participate as grand jury members and make the ultimate decision to indict the police officer or not. Presenters include David Trevaskis, Esquire; Roberta West, Esq; Common Pleas Court Judge Genece E. Brinkley; Common Pleas Court Judge Giovanni Campbell, and more! The session begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building (Room S2-19. Reporters are invited.

Additional newsworthy sessions:

Tuesday, March 1

The compelling documentary, Kids for Cash, will be screened at 9 a.m. at the College’s Northeast Regional Center, Room 124. The film takes a riveting look because the scandal involve Luzerne County legal system, where over 3,000 children were ripped from their families and imprisoned for years for crimes as petty as creating a fake MySpace page. On Wednesday, March 2, the film will be shown at 10:20 a.m. on the Main Campus in the Bonnell Auditorium, which is located off of 16th Street, between Callowhill and Hamilton Street. The former juvenile court judge at the heart of the scandal, who is currently serving a 28 year sentence in federal prison, shares his ulterior motives, revealing that his attorneys never knew about his interviews for this film.

Ethics in City Government

9:40 - 11:10 a.m. Main Campus - Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, S2-19 CLE: 1.5 hours Ethics

The City of Philadelphia's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is the government watchdog with the power to investigate corruption, fraud, waste and dishonest and unethical practices. Members of the OIG will discuss their roles. Moderated by William Mulkeen, Esq., the panel includes Amy L. Kurland, Inspector General and Kathleen T. McAfee, First Deputy Inspector General.

Thursday, March 3

Judicial Independence

9:40 - 11:10 a.m. Main Campus - Bonnell Auditorium, Room BG-20 CLE: 1.5 hours Ethics

In a fair criminal justice system, judges must render impartial decisions based upon open-minded and unbiased consideration of the facts and the law in each case, as well as maintains public trust and confidence within the courts. This session will explore judicial independence, and the threats to it, both historically and today. Moderated by Midge Rendell, federal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit. Co-sponsored by the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement.

Youth Court and its Role in Social Justice

11:20 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Main Campus - Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, S2-19 CLE: 1.5 hours Substantive

Edgar Cahn, a distinguished law professor who co-founded the Antioch School of Law and an advocate of social justice, will discuss the quest for justice in local communities today. He will share his Time Banking theory and other ways to creatively address social problems. A youth court demonstration featuring Philadelphia school students will be part of Mr. Cahn's presentation with the help of Gregg Volz of the Regional Youth Court Support Center and Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Coordinator David Trevaskis. Judges and lawyers from the Philadelphia area will share their thoughts on youth courts.

Judicial Ethics: Reality and Perception

6 - 7:30 p.m. Main Campus - Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, S2-19 CLE: 1.5 hours Ethics

This issue of judicial ethics has been brought to the forefront with recent issues involving members of the judiciary in Pennsylvania. This panel discusses those incidents and the impact on public perception of the judiciary and the work of the courts and the call for judicial reform. Moderated by Court of Common Pleas Judge Holly J. Ford, invited panelists include Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge Anne E. Lazarus; Sam Stretton Esq.; Craig McCoy, a reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer who has been covering this issue and State Senator Anthony H. Williams.

For a full schedule of events, visit: Law and Society Week

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