“Lawyers, Torture and Accountability” Topic of Oct. 7 Program at Rutgers–Newark Law School

Newark, NJ – Speakers at “Lawyers, Torture and Accountability,” to be presented by the Eric R. Neisser Public Interest Program at Rutgers School of Law–Newark on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 4 pm, will consider the role and accountability of government lawyers in authorizing the torture of suspected terrorists following the 9/11 attacks. The event represents the law school’s participation in Alliance for Justice’s 2009 Student Action Campaign, programming on social justice topics held around the country each year in conjunction with the opening of the new U.S. Supreme Court term. The program will include a special screening of Tortured Law, a 10-minute Alliance for Justice documentary on the topic.

Following the panel discussion, Erika Wood ’99, Deputy Director of the Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University School of Law, will receive the 2009 Eric R. Neisser Public Interest Award.

What:“Lawyers, Torture and Accountability”
Who:Dean John J. Farmer, Jr., Keynote

Panelists:
Penny Venetis, Clinical Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Constitutional Litigation Clinic, Rutgers School of Law–Newark
Baher Azmy, Professor of Law, Seton Hall University School of Law, who represented Guantánamo Bay detainees
Nan Aron, President of Alliance for Justice

Neisser Award Honoree:
Erika Wood ’99, Deputy Director of the Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University School of Law

When:4 pm, Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Where:Baker Trial Courtroom, Rutgers School of Law–Newark

Janet Donohue 973-353-5553