MU School of Law Hosts Symposium

Law Experts Discuss Indigent Criminal Defense Crisis

February 26th, 2010

WHAT: The University of Missouri School of Law will host a symposium, “Broke and Broken: Can We Fix Our State Indigent Defense Systems?” to discuss the mounting problems that indigent criminal defense systems are facing nationwide. Underpaid and overworked public defenders face increasing difficulties in providing adequate defense for those who are unable to pay for their own private defense. Symposium participants will discuss all aspects of the issue as well as address possible solutions.

The Missouri Law Review is sponsoring the symposium. The Review is a student run publication within the MU School of Law and was first published in 1936, making it one of the oldest legal publications west of the Mississippi River.

WHO: Stephen Bright, president of the Southern Center for Human Rights, will give the keynote address. There will be law experts from around the nation presenting at the symposium. Rodney Uphoff, the Elwood Thomas Missouri Endowed Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law, will serve as moderator.

WHEN: The symposium begins at 8:15 a.m., Friday, February 26.

WHERE: John K. Hulston Hall, MU Campus.

NOTE: The symposium is free, but registration is requested. Media are welcome.