Workshop on Justice System and the Media Set for June 4 at the U of M
For release: May 28, 2004
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

Enhancing news coverage and public perception of the justice system will be the focus of a workshop June 4 at the University of Memphis. "Judges Are From Mars, Lawyers Are From Venus, and Journalists Are From Pluto" will run from 8:50 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Room 123 of the Fogelman Executive Center. It is sponsored jointly by the U of M Department of Journalism and the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation Public Perception Task Force.

Panelists will include lawyers, judges, and members of the media. Scheduled to participate are Otis Sanford and Shirley Downing of The Commercial Appeal; television news anchors Jerry Tate and Joe Birch; U of M journalism professor Dr. Elinor Grusin; judges Jon McCalla, Loyce Lambert Ryan, D'Army Bailey, and Bernice Donald; and attorneys Doug Carpenter, Steve Farese, William Haltom, and Scott Welch.

They will address questions such as: Does the press emphasize important elements of the legal process, or do they focus on the sensational? Do the media understand legal procedures, subtle strategies, and limits on the roles of the participants in the legal system? Do members of the media foster respect for the rule of law, and do they have any obligation to do so? Do lawyers and judges properly and usefully communicate with the press? Do lawyers and judges understand the obligations and pressures reporters face?

Advance registration is encouraged but not required. To register, contact Suzanne Nappier online at suzanne.nappier@butlersnow.com or by phone at 901-680-7300.

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