"Defending Dissent: Representing Activists & Protesters at the DNC"
July 18, 2008, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
This will be an intensive half-day legal education course teaching Colorado attorneys the nuts and bolts of criminal representation of those arrested during the DNC, with a comprehensive set of materials, including instruction on:
- Issues and strategies for custody and bond
- Criminal Defense and Procedure in Municipal and County Court
- Protest Defense and Legal Strategies
Sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
Lunch sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association Bill of Rights Committee
At the 2004 RNC, the NYPD arrested 1800 activists, members of the media, street medics, legal observers, peaceful protesters, and bystanders. Denver is preparing for 3,000 arrests. The Denver Police Department and City Attorney's Office have pledged that "We don't cite and release" protesters. This policy will likely lead to negative consequences for the courts, the jails, and the Constitution. Access to counsel, speedy trial, bond, and safe, sanitary conditions of confinement will be among the casualties.
The Guild People's Law Project is calling on all Colorado attorneys to use their legal education and training to protect the right to peaceful expression and uphold the Constitution.
For a detailed schedule and Registration information, CLICK HERE.
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The July 18 Lunch Program: Sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association Civil Rights Committee
Chilling Free Exercise or Controlling the Streets
First Amendment Implications of Police Responses to Mass Demonstrations
With an eye toward the DNC August 25-27, 2008, governmental actions intended to maintain order may infringe fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Defense Opportunities and civil remedies for alleged police misconduct:
1. Prevention of protest outside Free Speech Zones,
2. Checkpoints and searches without cause,
3. Pretextual searches and raids of organizing spaces,
4. Mass false arrest or detention,
5. Snatch squads, pop-up lines, containment pens.
Friday, July 18, 2008 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: DU Sturm College of Law, Room 165
Participants: David Lane, Esq. had defended civil rights for a number of years and is a partner with Killmer, Lane and Newman, LLP.
Sean Dingle practiced with the Pueblo District Attorney’s office for a number of years and is now with Dickenson, Prud’Homme, Adams and Ingram, LLC.
To register for the whole program, or lunch only, go here: www.ccdb.org/cle/
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LEGAL OBSERVERS NEEDED!
What Is A Legal
Observer?
The purpose of legal observing is to
protect the civil liberties of political activists. Legal
Observers do not intentionally become involved in the
actions or intervene in any confrontations with police or
others. Legal Observers strive to refrain from actions that
could be construed as participating in the
demonstration.
Legal Observers can make the
following contributions:
- Legal Observers may deter police misconduct,
- Legal Observers may testify about their observations,
- Legal Observers may assist activists who are detained, arrested, or who need medical attention, by alerting the appropriate support teams associated with the demonstration.
- Remain calm in chaotic situations,
- Pay attention to detail,
- Balance risk and safety to maximize effectiveness,
- Write unbiased descriptions of the scene or event, and
- Focus on unconstitutional actions.
