The concept of equal justice is deeply embedded in our national values. Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton all emphasized the importance of justice to the nation they helped to found and to the government they created. Our commitment to equal justice has found expression repeatedly throughout American history; it is reflected in the closing words of the Pledge of Allegiance and in the inscription on the pediment of the Supreme Court building. Yet every day across America, tens of thousands of people walk into courtrooms alone, without a lawyer, because they cannot afford to pay for one and have no constitutional right to a lawyer in civil matters. Their cases involve matters of safety, subsistence, and family stability – evictions, foreclosures, child custody and support, and domestic violence. They confront a complicated legal system built largely by lawyers for lawyers – an adversary system based on the assumption that you do have a lawyer. Their chances of a fair shot at justice are slim, especially if their opponent is represented by counsel.
Sandman will explain the facts underlying this inconsistency between our professed values and the reality of our civil justice system today. He will also offer suggestions for reforming the civil legal system to provide justice for all.
Title:
Reforming the Civil Legal System to Assure “Justice for All”
When/Where:
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
5:00pm - 6:00pm
1801 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (Moot Court Room) [map].
Jim Sandman has been President of the Legal Services Corporation since 2011. LSC is the largest funder of civil legal aid programs in the United States, supporting 133 programs with more than 800 offices serving every state and territory. From 1977 to 2007, Jim practiced law with Arnold & Porter LLP and served as the firm’s Managing Partner for ten years. He is a past President of the 100,000-member District of Columbia Bar. From 2007 to 2011, he served as General Counsel of the District of Columbia Public Schools.
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