THE two visiting law professors from California and Hawaii will begin today the four-day law lecture series that the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities is sponsoring through a federal grant.
Humanities Council Program Officer Scott Russell said the “The Law in the Community” lecture series is free to the public.
“I think in this case we’re introducing and demystifying the law and the judicial system. We’re trying to engage the public in topics dealing with the law which are relevant to the community,” Russell said.
California State University Law Professor Edward Bronson and University of Hawaii Assistant Law Professor Danielle Conway-Jones will conduct the lectures.
Isaac Magofna, executive director of the Humanities Council, said this is a good opportunity for the local community to enrich their knowledge.
“This is free of charge. It’s not going to cost anyone to come and participate. We have prominent scholars who will be conducting the seminars. I think this is to the advantage of the community whoever finds time to come,” Magofna said.
He said the last law lecture series in the CNMI was held in June 2000. He described this year’s series as more extensive and enriching.
Bronson will lecture on “The Role of the Juries in a Democratic Society.” Part of his discussion on this topic will focus on the crucial role of the jury in the legal system. Participants can actively participate in the discussion because Bronson would open the floor for questions.
Bronson would also make a presentation on the topic “The Public Funding of Private Schools” where he would discuss the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, federal regulations, the Covenant and the CNMI Constitution.
Conway-Jones will make presentations about minorities and the law, including issues on discrimination, domestic abuse and harassment.
She would also discuss the most recent cases dealing with the issue of the rights of the indigenous people in the Pacific.
