International panel to focus on justice in the two Americas

Lawyers, judges from 11 countries to take part in Tuesday forum

SEPT. 21, 2009 - Judges and attorneys from 11 Central and South American countries will participate 3 p.m. Tuesday in a special forum that looks at different meanings of justice and laws relating to individual liberties.

The forum, "Administering justice - What does justice mean?" is offered by the Office of Diversity Initiatives of the Charleston School of Law.  The forum, which is open to students, faculty and members of the public, will be held in Room 227 of the Addlestone Library (205 Calhoun Street) on the College of Charleston campus.  The discussion starts at 3 p.m.  A short reception will follow.

"The Charleston School of Law is honored to host this discussion with our neighbors and fellow legal scholars," said Debra Gammons, distinguished visiting professor and acting director of the diversity office.  "This forum will give students, professors and the public insight into the defining of civil rights and that definition's impact on the stability of a country." 

In addition to judges and attorneys from Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Columbia and other Latin American countries, the panel discussion also will feature George Hopkins, professor emeritus at the College of Charleston, and historian Jack Bass of The Citadel. 

The  Latin American legal professionals are visiting Charleston through a legal program led by the U.S. Department of State.

CONTACTS:        Andy Brack at 843.670.3996 or news@charlestonlaw.edu
                                Debra Gammons at 843.377.2429 or dgammons@charlestonlaw.edu