Law and Society Week

February 26 — March 5, 2010

Presented by the Community College of Philadelphia Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society, and co-sponsored by Student Life.

Welcome to Law and Society Week 2010

Join us for an array of legal events designed for the College family and local community. The week offers something for everyone, from an art exhibit and films to events for high school students and legal resources for the broader community. This year’s new events include Wills for Heroes, A Portrait of a Postindustrial Impoverished Community, Gun Violence Survey and Mass Grave on Philadelphia’s Main Line? The Mystery of Duffy’s Cut. We hope that you find the special lineup of events to be exciting and informative, and we look forward to seeing you in future years.

We are thrilled that we have been able to attract distinguished speakers to this event. We thank all our organizers, participants and partners who have dedicated their time, energy, talents and resources to make Law and Society Week a resounding success.
    — Kathy Smith, director, Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society

I would like to extend a special thanks to the 2010 Law and Society Week committee members: Angélica Latorre Aguirre, Heidi Braunschweig, Anthony Bruno, Mary Conway, Thomas Doyle, David Freeman, Richard Frei, Julie Gurner, Linda Hibbs, Jane Jacobs, Mark Jones, Billy Love, Gina MacKenzie, Thomas Quinn, Kathy Smith, Dena Sukol and Nicole Vadino, as well as Branville Bard, Jody Bauer, Chanel Broadus, Timothy H. Chew, William Collarulo, Judge Holly Ford, Lisa Handler, Pat Hecht, Allan Kobernick, Joe McFadden, Daniel McKenna, Ed Nolan, Sue Piergallini, Sharon Thompson, David Trevaskis, Alertus Technologies, LLC, AlliedBarton Security Services, Ballard Spahr, LLP, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, LEAP-Kids, the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Women’s Center, the Teaching Center, Paralegal Student Association, Paralegal Alumni Association, General Alumni Association, Audio Visual Services, IT Technical Support Services and Duplicating.

The Law and Society Week Committee would also like to thank the staff of the Division of Marketing and Government Relations for their amazing support for these events.

About the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society
The Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society at Community College of Philadelphia provides a structure for the ongoing support of law-related disciplines in the context of their connections to broader societal issues. The Center encompasses several academic programs and fosters a variety of projects and events for both the College family and the broader community.

Center Programs
The following academic programs constitute the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society:

Paralegal Studies (A.A.S. degree) is approved by the American Bar Association and provides entry into this fast-growing legal career. For more information about Paralegal Studies, contact Linda Hibbs at lhibbs@ccp.edu.

Justice (A.A.S. degree or certificate) provides a sound foundation for careers in the exciting field of criminal justice. For information about Justice, contact Thomas Doyle at tdoyle@ccp.edu.

Computer Forensics (A.A.S. degree) addresses the increasing demand for trained computer forensics technicians. For more information about Computer Forensics, contact Mark Jones at mjones@ccp.edu.

Geographic Information Systems (A.A.S degree or certificate) offers training in the emerging field of geospatial technology. For more information about GIS, contact Rachel Weeden at rweeden@ccp.edu.

Fire Science (A.A.S. degree) offers training and the academic background needed for a career in fire science. For more information about Fire Science, contact Thomas Garrity at tgarrity@ccp.edu.

Unless otherwise indicated, all events are free, open to the public and do not require reservations. A building guide is listed at the end of this schedule.

Schedule of Events

Law and Society Week events qualify for continuing legal education credits.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Law and Society Week 11th Anniversary Awards Breakfast
8:00 to 9:30 a.m., Room C2-5
Invitation Only
The fourth annual Judge Edward R. Becker Citizenship Award will be presented to the Honorable Marjorie O. Rendell, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, in Philadelphia and First Lady of Pennsylvania. Other honors to be bestowed include the Alumni Award and the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society’s Service Awards.

High School Day has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 26, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room S2-19
This interactive day of activities, which is offered in connection with LEAP-Kids, is dedicated to providing high school students with an understanding of the law and its relationship to other career areas. Guest lecturers, including police officers, lawyers, judges and others, participate in a legal “story” in which students are active participants. If you would like to participate or know a high school student who would like to participate, please contact Linda J. Hibbs, Esq., assistant professor of Paralegal Studies, at lhibbs@ccp.edu or 215-751-8908. Co-sponsored by LEAP-Kids and the Philadelphia Tech Prep Consortium

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Wills for Heroes
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CBI
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and with sponsorship by Ballard Spahr, LLP, the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society brings you the Wills for Heroes program. Wills for Heroes is a free and easy service that provides wills, living wills and financial powers of attorney to all Pennsylvania first responders, all sworn personnel and their spouses or significant others. If you would like to participate or would like additional information, please contact Angélica Latorre Aguirre, coordinator of Academic Projects, at aaguirre@ccp.edu or 215-751-8611. Co-sponsored by Wills for Heroes and Ballard Spahr, LLP

Monday, March 1, 2010

Lost Dreams on Canvas: Portraits of Murder Victims
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mint Rotunda
Many Philadelphia-area artists have donated their time and talent to paint more than 150 portraits of innocent victims of random violence. Their unique and selfless contributions have created a moving and effective tribute to lives lost to violence.

A Portrait of a Postindustrial Impoverished Community
9:05 to 10:00 a.m., Room S2-3
This talk will examine the implications of industrial decline and urban poverty on poor families and children. Specific policy changes will be discussed, including the war on drugs, welfare reform and community policing. Waverly Duck, Ph.D., assistant professor of Social Science, will discuss his research on how gangs are used to explain murder in the poor neighborhoods of Northeastern cities in the United States.

International Students Panel: A Discussion About the Legal Process Around the World
11:15 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., Room S2-3
How are leaders selected in other countries? What is the role of citizens in political processes around the world? How are governmental abuses checked? This panel discussion with students from around the world will enable us to better understand the global political landscape. Moderator: Nicole Vadino, assistant professor, Social Science

Brown Bag Lunch and Conversation with Waverly Duck, Ph.D.
12:30 to 1:25 p.m., Room C2-5
Faculty and Staff Only (Bring your lunch, dessert will be provided)

Fighting for the Smithfield Workers: The Fight for Union Representation
2:30 to 3:25 p.m., Room S2-3
The packing house workers at the Smithfield Corporation’s plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina, fought a long and bitter struggle for union representation. Renee Bowser, Esq., helped the workers secure a monumental victory in this battle. Ms. Bowser will tell the compelling story of this conflict.
Co-sponsored by the Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia

Reception with Renee Bowser, Esq.
3:30 to 4:15 p.m., Room C2-5
Faculty and Staff Only

A Case Study: Employment Discrimination
6:00 to 7:15 p.m., Room C2-5
Nationally renowned employment law and litigation expert Nancy O’Mara Ezold, Esq., will lead the discussion. She established her own firm, Nancy O’Mara Ezold P.C., in 1993, which specializes in discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and wrongful termination cases. Co-sponsored by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges/Community College of Philadelphia and the Women's Studies/Gender Studies curriculum

Snitching Project
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., WERC
Rick Frei, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology, has been working with a team of student researchers to determine what snitching is in an effort known as the Snitching Project. In January, Dr. Frei testified before a U.S. Senate crime subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), about the results from his Snitching Project. Join in the discussion led by Dr. Frei regarding the data gathered from 1,500 community college students illustrating that a wide variety of definitions for snitching exist.

Computer Forensics: Criminal Investigation Meets Technology
6:00 to 7:15 p.m., Philadelphia Police Academy
Faculty and Students Only
Renowned computer forensics expert Pam King discusses the cutting-edge techniques applied in the constantly evolving field of investigation into computer-related crimes. Moderator: Gina MacKenzie, Ph.D., assistant professor, English

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lost Dreams on Canvas: Portraits of Murder Victims
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mint Rotunda
Many Philadelphia-area artists have donated their time and talent to paint more than 150 portraits of innocent victims of random violence. Their unique and selfless contributions have created a moving and effective tribute to lives lost to violence.

GIS Crime Mapping in the Philadelphia Police Department
8:00 to 9:20 a.m., Room S2-19
What happens when crime is placed on a map? How do police agencies use the latest Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to track, predict and prevent crime? This fascinating demonstration of the Philadelphia Police COMPSTAT mapping system will show the latest use of GIS in law enforcement, allow for audience participation and will conclude with an overview of GIS curriculum opportunities at the College. Presenter: Philadelphia Police Department’s Crime Mapping Unit

Philadelphia CSI
9:30 to 10:50 a.m., Room BG-10, Bonnell Large Auditorium
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit will explain its role in photographing and sketching crime scenes, as well as its method in the identification and processing of crime scene evidence. Actual and sometimes graphic crime scene photos will be shown.

Using Technology in Courtroom Presentations
9:30 to 10:50 a.m., Room C2-28
This fast-paced presentation will demonstrate the latest cutting-edge tools for making dazzling courtroom presentations. Moderator: David Freeman, associate professor, Social Science

Minority Overrepresentation in the Juvenile Justice System
10:00 to 11:30 a.m, NWRC
This panel discussion, featuring representatives from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and the Defender Association, will address the issue of minority overrepresentation and will identify strategies to reduce its incidence and prevalence. Moderator: Anthony F. Bruno, D.S.W., professor, Justice

The Crime Reporters
11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., Room BG-10, Bonnell Large Auditorium
This popular event returns with a panel of local crime reporters, all experts in their field, discussing the role of the news media in the reporting of crime. Panelists include Joyce Evans, Fox 29 News; Dave Gambacorta, Philadelphia Daily News; Harry Hairston, NBC 10 News; and Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3 News. Moderator: William Colarulo, Philadelphia Police Department

A Conversation with Seth Williams, Philadelphia District Attorney
12:30 to 1:50 p.m., Room BG-10, Bonnell Large Auditorium
During this informal session, Philadelphia's recently elected Distric Attorney discusses his vision for the office, and future challenges and opportunities. Moderator: David Freeman associate professor, Social Science

Film: "Sentenced Home"
3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Room BG-11, Bonnell Small Auditorium
This film puts a human face on a controversial piece of immigration law that requires deportation of immigrants who have committed crimes—even minor crimes and crimes for which they have already served time. Focusing on three men, originally from Cambodia, who grew up in Seattle and are facing deportation, this film raises important questions about what justice is and what it means to be a noncitizen, even if a legal resident, while also providing an important view into the experiences of this immigrant group. For more information regarding the film, please visit www.pbs.org/independentlens/sentencedhome/.
Moderators: Lisa Handler, Ph.D., assistant professor, Social Science and Dena Sukol, Esq., adjunct professor of Paralegal Studies

From Convictions, to College, to Careers: The Role of Higher Education in Successful Ex-offender Reentry
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Room S2-19
In this presentation, Tara Timberman, assistant professor of English at Community College of Philadelphia, discusses the vital role higher education can play in helping the City reduce its recidivism rate. She will outline initiatives in development at the College that will contribute to this goal. Joining her will be several students with criminal histories who will explain how pursuing a degree has affected their lives.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Paralegal Student Association Day

Lost Dreams on Canvas: Portraits of Murder Victims
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mint Rotunda
Many Philadelphia-area artists have donated their time and talent to paint more than 150 portraits of innocent victims of random violence. Their unique and selfless contributions have created a moving and effective tribute to lives lost to violence.

Insanity: When are You Responsible for a Crime?
9:05 to 10:00 a.m., Room S2-19
The insanity defense stands at the intersection of criminal law and psychology. This intriguing session facilitated by Julie Garner, Psy.D., assistant professor of Behavioral Sciences, considers the meaning of insanity and the impact of that defense in a criminal trial.

The Internet: Social and Legal Challenges
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., WERC
The Internet has affected virtually every area of society and thus most areas of law, with lightening speed. This seminar reviews emerging, Internet-related issues affecting our society and their impact on many of our laws, including intellectual property, criminal law, constitutional issues of privacy and freedom of expression and the necessarily changing notions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. Dena Sukol, Esq., adjunct professor of Paralegal Studies, discusses the major laws and events impacted by the Internet.
Light breakfast sponsored by the Student Government Association

Legal Resource Day
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Bonnell Cafeteria
Organizations from the community will provide information on a range of topics, including consumer law, crime prevention, victim’s assistance, housing and immigration.
Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals

Voices Against Violence
12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Mint Rotunda
Students use their rhetorical skills to speak out against violence. Moderator: Mary Conway, Ph.D., assistant professor, English
Co-sponsored by the Women's Studies/Gender Studies curriculum

Ending Domestic Violence: Women Against Abuse
2:30 p.m. to 3:25 p.m., Room S2-19
Every hour, 56 women will be physically victimized by an intimate partner (U.S. Bureau of Justice). In this interactive session, students will learn the warning signs of abuse, strategies for ending abuse and how to help others who may be in abusive relationships. A representative from the Philadelphia organization Women Against Abuse will provide answers to questions and helpful resources. Moderators: Mary Conway, Ph.D., assistant professor, English and William Love, visiting lecturer, Justice
Co-sponsored by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges/Community College of Philadelphia and the Women's Studies/Gender Studies curriculum

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Legal Implications of Nursing
9:30 to 10:50 a.m., Room S2-19
Paul Bechtel, Esq., a nationally renowned expert on law and medicine and a veteran of more than 300 jury trials, will discuss nursing and issues of legal liability in medicine. Mr. Bechtel is a retired partner of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin.

Thinking About Law School?
9:30 to 10:50 a.m., Room C2-28
Are you considering law school? Not sure if it is the right choice for you or how best to prepare? No matter what your current major, if you think law school may be in your future, you need to attend this session. Presenters: Pre-law advisor from Drexel University, Admissions representatives from Widener University School of Law and other area law schools and current law students. Moderator: Jane Jacobs, Esq., assistant professor, Paralegal Studies

Homeland Security Mobile Command Post Tours
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Front of the Mint Building
Visit the nerve center of a mobile command post operated by the Homeland Security Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department. Come see the "cutting edge" equipment of modern emergency management. The command unit will be parked directly in front of the Mint Building on Spring Garden Street.

Gun Violence Survey
11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., Room S2-19
The Gun Survey, led by Rick Frei, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology, is an ongoing student-driven interdisciplinary research initiative aimed at developing a better understanding of gun violence and facilitating community discussion through education. The project began in 2009 as part of an Applied Psychology course project at the Community College of Philadelphia. Dr. Frei will use the results of the survey to discuss and explain gun behavior and people’s attitudes toward guns in Philadelphia.

The Judges’ Panel
12:30 to 1:50 p.m., Room S2-19
Distinguished judges discuss their lives in the law, achieving balance and the challenges of a legal career. Panelists include the Honorable Holly J. Ford, judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Mass Grave on Philadelphia’s Main Line? – The Mystery of Duffy's Cut
2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., Room S2-19
What exactly happened to the 57 Irish immigrants who arrived in the Philadelphia area to work on the Pennsylvania railroad in 1832 and mysteriously died eight weeks later? Join the discussion about the ongoing historical, archaeological, and forensic search into their lives and possibly violent deaths. Hear from two brothers and a colleague who have led a six year search, using state of the art archaeological and forensic equipment, to recently uncover identifiable human remains and begin solving the mystery of Duffy’s Cut.

Mock Interview Session for Paralegal and Justice Students and Alumni
3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Room C 1-34, Career Services Center
Are you nervous at job interviews? Need some input on your interviewing skills? This session will help to allay some of those issues for you and provide feedback on improvement. Potential employers and legal recruiters will be conducting mock interviews for Paralegal and Justice students and grads. If you would like to participate, please e-mail Jane Jacobs, Esq., assistant professor of Paralegal Studies, at jjacobs@ccp.edu.

Film: "Concrete, Steel & Paint"
3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Room BG-11, Bonnell Small Auditorium
This film follows Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program as it launches into a mural project that brings together men incarcerated at Graterford Prison—Pennsylvania’s largest maximum security prison, just outside of Philadelphia—and residents of Philadelphia who have been the victims of violent crime. The result? A co-created mural in Philadelphia that speaks to the difficulty and pain of each group and the restorative powers of their process. For more information regarding the film, please visit www.concretefilm.org/. Moderators:Lisa Handler, Ph.D., assistant professor, Social Science and Dena Sukol, Esq., adjunct professor of Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Studies Student Alumni Speed Networking Event
6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Room C2-5
Join us and make 15 to 20 new connections in a flash. You will connect face-to-face with someone new every four minutes. During each session, participants will have the opportunity to describe their expertise and make new professional contacts. Remember to bring plenty of business cards. Students will be provided with a fun topic of discussion to explore with experienced alumni who can share their personal stories and offer insight about the legal profession.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Judicial Affairs Conference
8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Room S2-3
Co-sponsored by AlliedBarton Security Services
This lively program, presented by the Office of Safety and Security, the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs, will feature:

8:30 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.

Keynote Speaker:

Dolores Stafford, chief of police, The George Washington University. "The Clery Act: Expectations, Achievements and Perceptions"

10:00 a.m.

Break/Announcements

10:15 a.m.

Breakout sessions:

"Campus Police/Security and Judicial Affairs: Bridging the Gap," moderated by Tom King, director of Campus Security, Haverford College.

"Social Networking: Facebook 2.0," presented by James A. Keller J.D., Saul Ewing LLP and moderated by Ron Jackson, dean of students, Community College of Philadelphia.

"The Student Code of Conduct: Is Yours Strong Enough to Withstand Legal Scrutiny?" Moderated by Scott Coffina, Esq., Montgomery McCracken

11:30 a.m.

Breakout sessions:

"An Institutional Response to Worrisome Student Behavior: Separating the Behavior from the Mental Health Diagnosis"

"International Students and Judicial Affairs: Understanding Immigration Regulations and Privacy Laws," moderated by Jessica Black, coordinator of International Student Services, Community College of Philadelphia

"Ganging Up: The Unexpected Increased Gang Threat in Higher Education," presented by Edwin Torres, Gang Management Unit of the Juvenile Justice Commission of NJ.

12:45 p.m.

Lunch with Keynote Speaker Joyce Link, Esq., partner at Montgomery McCracken

"Guardians of Promise," Joyce Link will discuss how attitudes about student rights have evolved, current issues confronting today's student conduct administrators and the importance of these administrators in aiding student development and matriculation. Link is a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoades specializing in labor and employment. She chairs the Higher Education Law Group and co-chairs the firm's Diversity Committee.

2:00 p.m.

Comcast Building Tour presented by AlliedBarton Security

 

For more information, please contact Randy Merced, manager of Security and Safety, Community Colleg of Philadelphia, at rmerced@ccp.edu.

Film: "Dhamma Brothers"
10:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Room BG-11, Bonnell Small Auditorium

This powerful film follows a group of men in a maximum security prison in Alabama as they do one of the hardest things they have ever done: sit for a 10-day silent meditation retreat. This film raises important questions about what the prison system is about, what human beings are about and what is possible for both. For more information regarding the film, please visit  www.dhammabrothers.com/. Moderators: Lisa Handler, Ph.D., assistant professor, Social Science; Dena Sukol, Esq., adjunct professor of Paralegal Studies; and Crystal Bacon, assistant professor, English