On M
arch 22, 2019, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) will host its annual Law Journal Symposium. This event, held at the Blackburn Conference Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., will consist of many esteemed guest speakers and judges all focused on this year’s topic: Accountability Courts in Georgia. Registrants will have the opportunity to receive 6.0 CLE credits for this event. Those seeking CLE credit must register under “Attorney Admission” and pay $30 (costs will cover the Bar’s booking fees). However, the event is free and open to any law students, judges, legislators, and the general public who wish to attend.
The symposium’s topic will focus on providing detailed knowledge and insight into Georgia’s Accountability Court programs. These programs are designed to rehabilitate nonviolent offenders who spend significant time behind bars. It is a proven solution and AJMLS hopes to educate criminal law students on the problem along with the positive impact the programs can have now and in the future.
“First and foremost, I wanted to plan a CLE that brings awareness to these programs,” said Taylor Deciano, AJMLS’ Law Journal’s Editor in Chief. “Accountability courts in GA are still relatively new (est. 2015), but have grown exponentially in the last four years. Secondly, my goal is to teach those in practice how to better advocate for an at-risk defendant, whether that is better understanding the program’s structure, better understanding a presiding judge’s point of view, or listening to miscellaneous tips and tricks for advocating in these courts.”
Presentations and the moderated discussion topics include:
“The Council of Accountability Court Judges Processes and Outcomes,”
“Restoring Lives Alliance and Practical Lawyering in these Courts,”
“CACJ 101,”
“DUI Courts,”
“Drug Courts,”
“Parental Accountability Courts,”
“Veterans Court.”
While the overall subject matter is different, one of this year’s presentations on Veterans Court is meant to play on last year’s topic of Veterans Law. Previous year’s topics included business law, immigration, juvenile justice, criminal defense, and privacy, meaning this will be a first for the Accountability Courts topic.
“More than anything, I hope our guests walk away with practical tools they can use in practice and a better understanding of accountability courts,” said Deciano. “A bonus would be that someone walks away inspired to start a program like this in their home jurisdiction that does not yet have any or all of these programs.”
In addition to the admired guest speakers and discussion topics scheduled throughout the day, breakfast and lunch will be served as well. Space is limited so make sure to register today!
Click here for more information and to register for the event.