Providing Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly with Equal Access to Justice

Friday, December 5, 2008
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Stetson University College of Law
Gulfport, Florida

The conference will focus on providing witnesses, parties, jurors and attorneys who have a disability or are elderly (including those accompanied by service or emotional support animals) with equal access to justice. The panelists will include private attorneys, prosecutors, judges, architects, court administrators, trial consultants and experts in technology, bringing their diverse perspectives to address emerging issues on this topic and to propose solutions. The issues discussed at the conference can arise in civil and criminal matters.

The conference will be held in the William R. Eleazer Courtroom at Stetson University College of Law. This courtroom, dedicated in September 2005, is the first user-friendly courtroom for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers and Caring for the Victims - The Michael Vick Case and Its Impact on Cruelty Cases
Friday, September 19, 2008
DePaul University College of Law Conference Room of the DePaul Center
Room 8005
1 E. Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL

 Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers Brochure - PDF
 Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers Online Registration

The federal dog fighting case against Michael Vick and his codefendants dominated the press for weeks and generated overwhelming public concern for the dogs seized from BadNewz Kennels. This program will feature the forensic veterinarian, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a criminal defense attorney, and the court appointed special master/guardian in the case. The proceedings of the federal case will be discussed and its impact on future cruelty cases.

Forty-eight of the forty-nine American Pit Bull Terriers seized in the dog fighting case were deemed suitable for adoption or sanctuary placement. Some have already been adopted out. The challenges of assessing, caring for and adopting out the canine victims of dog fighting will be discussed by the team leader of the behavioral team, the major rescue group and animal sanctuary associated with the Vick case.

Other law enforcement professionals and prosecutors who have successfully investigated or prosecuted cruelty cases and animal hoarding cases will also share their tips. Successful court advocacy programs for animal cruelty cases will be discussed.

Program Sponsors:
Valparaiso University School of Law; Animal Farm Foundation; National Canine Research Council; Best Friends Animal Society, exclusive national sponsor of Safe Humane Chicago; Animal Welfare Institute; PetSmart Charities; and DePaul University College of Law

Program Chair:
Ledy VanKavage, ASPCA, Maryville, IL

Co-Chairs:
Amy Maher, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Edwardsville, IL
K. Michelle Welch, Assistant Attorney General’s Office,Richmond, VA

Presenters:
Francis Battista, Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT
Claire Cardwell, Stone & Cardwell, Richmond, VA
Jennifer Cifaldi, Assistant State’s Attorney, Adams County, Quincy, IL
Cynthia Bathurst, Principal Director, Safe Humane Chicago, Chicago, IL
Professor Rebecca Huss, Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, IN
Amy Maher, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Edwardsville, IL
Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA, Atlanta, GA
Tim Racer, Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls(BAD RAP), San Francisco, CA
Dr. Pam Reid, ASPCA, Urbana, IL
Donna Reynolds, Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls (BAD RAP), San Francisco, CA
K. Michelle Welch, Assistant Attorney General’s Office, Richmond, VA
Brian Whisler, U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern Districtof Virginia, Richmond, VA

The link between animal abuse and human violence is real and the cycle of family abuse is complex. It is well-documented that in homes where there is abuse, there is generally animal abuse as well. In fact, the abuse often strikes the animal first. Moreover, children who are exposed to family abuse are at a greater risk of psychological and behavioral problems, often accompanied by animal abuse. The cycle of family violence must stop and the law can help. There are various ways that the law and society can improve the current situation to help the victims of family abuse. This program will examine the link between animal abuse and human violence within the family. The speakers will address the definitions of family abuse, the cycle of violence, the laws combating family abuse and tools to reform the system to better combat family abuse.