Celebrate the anniversary of the Constitution, ratified Sept. 17, 1787, with lively and interesting discussions.
Constitution Day 2016 Schedule
Technology and the Constitution
9:40 to 11:10 a.m., Room C2-28
We now live in a world of Snapchat, Reddit, Kik, Stingrays, Automatic License Plate Readers and online marketplaces where individuals can meet and engage in ways unimaginable even a decade ago. In this new era, our courts are struggling to apply existing law to deal with these 21st century challenges. This lecture will examine recent Supreme Court decisions applying technology in the context of the First and Fourth Amendments, as well as new issues awaiting court review.
Presenter: Elizabeth Canapary, Esq., adjunct professor, Paralegal Studies
1.5 hours substantive CLE
An Overview of the Bill of Rights
11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., Room C2-28
When can the police search my house? Do I have to talk to the police? When can I get a lawyer to help me? Can I hold a parade down Broad Street whenever I want? Explore the answers to these and other questions, which are contained in the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
Presenter: William Mulkeen, Esq., visiting lecturer and program coordinator, Justice
1.5 hours substantive CLE
Our Voices, Our Votes, Our Power—Achieving Systemic Change through Civic Engagement and Voting
1 to 2:30 p.m., Room C2-28
Join us for a panel discussion about the possibility of reforming the criminal justice system and eliminating collateral consequences of arrest and conviction through civic engagement and voting. It's estimated that more than 350,000 Philadelphian's have served time in federal, state and local prisons. People with criminal records face legal barriers to employment, housing, education and other basic human necessities. Many systemic exclusions are the direct result of laws and policies introduced and enacted by elected officials. In Pennsylvania, people with criminal justice interactions are eligible to vote and thus have the power to influence social, political and economic systems. Come hear experts discuss the power of civic engagement and voting.
Moderator: Will Mega, founder, Octavius Strategies
Co-sponsored by the Reentry Support Project and Redeemed
Voter Registration
1 to 3 p.m., Bonnell Lobby
The College’s student voter turnout has been higher than many other institutions for the 2012 and 2014 elections. Make your voice heard by registering to vote.
Constitutional Topic: The Electoral College
2:40 to 4:10 p.m., Room C2-28
In the context of the Constitution, the meaning of “college” is not that of a school, but of a group of people organized toward a common goal. The Electoral College is embodied in the Constitution in Article 2, Section 1; and in the 12th Amendment. Join us for this exciting discussion of popular versus electoral votes and a look at the differences between national, state and municipal jurisdictions in this election year.
Presenter: William Love, Esq., assistant professor, Justice, and Social Science department head
1.5 hours substantive CLE