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The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson Law presents national conference for criminal justice professionals

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
727-562-7889

Tampa Bay, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law and the National Institute of Justice will present a national conference to discuss emerging legal and scientific issues and trends in the use of scientific evidence in the courtroom.

The conference, designed for law enforcement professionals, legal experts, forensic scientists, academics and expert witnesses, will take place Sept.12 through Sept.14 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla.

“This is an exciting national forum for judges, scientists, legal and law enforcement professionals to discuss cutting-edge issues facing their professions today,” said Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director.

The first day of the National Conference on Science, Technology and the Law will cover the investigation, prosecution and defense of cyber-crime crime cases and the impact of news coverage on high-profile cases. Day two will cover abuse investigation, ensuring forensic reliability, information sharing and privacy concerns. The final day of the conference will look at legal issues, police investigation tools and the impact of new technologies on the criminal justice system. More than 40 speakers will present.

Planned speakers include:

  • Vahid Majidi, former science advisor to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft
  • Donna Bucella, director, Terrorist Screening Center at the FBI
  • Michael Bromwich, independent investigator for the Houston Police Dept.
  • Ken Melson, first assistant U.S. attorney, Eastern District of Virginia, and former president, American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins, Middle District of Florida
  • Paul Giannelli, law professor, Case Western Reserve University

The Clearinghouse encourages scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources
in the interest of justice. Under Henderson’s direction, Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law.

The conference is co-sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, American Bar Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National District Attorneys Association.

To register, visit the National Conference on Science, Technology and the Law online at https://www.ilj.org/ncstl.

Editor’s Note: This program is free for journalists. Please register in advance.

Stetson’s Elder Consumer Protection Program presents a national symposium on combating crimes against seniors

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s Elder Consumer Protection Program will present a national symposium for law enforcement, Adult Protective Service workers, assistant state attorneys and assistant attorney generals on combating crimes against the elderly, “Catching the Wolf at Grandma’s Door,” on the Gulfport campus Sept. 15-16. This symposium will present these professionals with ways to better protect the elderly community. M. Jane Brady, Attorney General of Delaware, will introduce the conference.

“This information from this conference will provide law enforcement, APS workers, assistant state attorneys and assistant attorney generals with more information on scams targeting the elderly, which will help them in fighting these scams,” said Rebecca Morgan, program director and director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law.

Seating is limited to law enforcement, APS workers, assistant state attorneys and assistant attorney generals. Registration is free by e-mail at [email protected], or online at http://elder.law.stetson.edu/professional/symposium.php.
The deadline for registration is Sept. 1.

As part of the Elder Consumer Protection Program, Stetson offers to elder consumers a Web site and a successful seminar series that provides tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud. Funding for this program was provided in part by the Administration on Aging. Stetson, a national leader in the field of elder law, has partnered with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, AARP and the legal community to increase public awareness of consumer fraud against elders.

Editor’s note: Media are welcome to attend this seminar.

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law presents the “CSI Effect” at the American Bar Association Annual Meeting in Chicago

Contact Diane Gustafsn
Clearinghouse Coordinator
727-562-7316

Tampa Bay, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law will review the “CSI Effect” and forensic technology at the American Bar Association Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Clearinghouse Director Professor Carol Henderson will present the program, along with Director of Outreach Anjali Swienton. Professor Henderson is a recognized authority in scientific evidence and criminal law and ethics. She has presented more than 150 lectures and workshops to forensic scientists, attorneys, judges and law enforcement on scientific evidence, courtroom testimony, and professional responsibility.

“The Clearinghouse has made tremendous strides in its efforts to encourage the scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources in the interest of justice,” said Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director.

Under Henderson’s direction, Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law. The Clearinghouse provides a comprehensive online database of legal and scientific research and educates lawyers, judges and law enforcement personnel about new developments in forensic technology and forensic evidence handling in the courts.

For more information on additional National Clearinghouse programs, please call (727) 562-7316 or visit them on the Web at http://www.ncstl.org.

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law presents a workshop in Charlotte, N.C.

Contact Diane Gustafson
Clearinghouse Coordinator
727-562-7316

Tampa Bay, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law will review digital evidence courtroom testimony at the American Academy of Applied Forensics at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N.C. on Monday, Aug. 1.

Clearinghouse Director of Outreach Anjali Swienton will present the program, along with additional practitioners in the field. Swienton is President and CEO of SciLawForensics, Ltd. which provides legal support and specialized training and education tools to the criminal justice, forensic science and law enforcement communities. She regularly makes professional presentations and is a member of a number of forensic science and legal organizations. Prior to her legal career, she worked as a forensic DNA analyst and provided expert testimony in courts across the country.

The Clearinghouse encourages scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources in the interest of justice.

“We look forward to providing even more services to the legal, scientific and law enforcement communities,” said Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director.

Under Henderson’s direction, Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law.

The Clearinghouse provides a comprehensive online database of legal and scientific research and educates lawyers, judges and law enforcement personnel about new developments in forensic technology and forensic evidence handling in the courts.

For more information on additional National Clearinghouse programs, please call 727-562-7316 or visit them on the Web at www.ncstl.org.

Stetson Law builds country’s first high-tech, elder-friendly courtroom

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
727-562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law is completing construction on the nation’s first elder-friendly, high-tech courtroom on its Gulfport campus. The completed courtroom will be dedicated Sept. 16, 2005, in honor of Professor Emeritus William R. Eleazer, who spent his career training ethical advocates.

The barrier-free courtroom, a joint effort of Stetson’s Centers for Excellence in Advocacy and Elder Law, is designed as a national model to increase courtroom access to the elderly and disabled. It uses cutting-edge technology including flat-panel monitors to display evidence, hearing amplification devices to make speech more audible, and a multi-lingual software speech synthesizer that will read aloud words displayed on a computer screen, translate them into multiple languages, and even output words to refreshable Braille displays if needed.

The teaching courtroom features a double jury box with one-way glass, which will allow students to monitor mock juries and focus groups. A flat-panel touch screen outside the courtroom will explain the roles of court personnel in the proceedings.

The courtroom will be used first by Stetson’s Elder Consumer Protection Program, which offers free public seminars to raise awareness of consumer scams as well as programs to train law enforcement, protective services workers, and assistant state attorneys on investigating and prosecuting consumer frauds against elders.

“This courtroom combines the technology of the 21st-century with the recognition that it is still people who make our system function. Our courtrooms must be accessible to all citizens,” said Roberta Flowers, Director of the Center for Excellence in Advocacy and Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law.

“With some thought and a few modifications, access can be provided to everyone,” said Rebecca Morgan, Director of the Center for Excellence in Elder Law. “As the number of elders continues to grow, the access provided by the barrier-free courtroom will become increasingly important.”

For more information, visit the courtroom online.

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law to inform the National Association of Police Organizations about forensic evidence

Contact Diane Gustafson
National Clearinghouse Coordinator
727-562-7316

Tampa Bay, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law will make a presentation about forensic evidence resources and opportunities for law enforcement at the National Association of Police Organizations, 27th annual convention, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans on Sunday, July 24 at 10:45 am.

Clearinghouse Deputy Director Gregory Hill will present the program. Hill is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, International Homicide Investigators Association and a former Tampa police officer, private attorney and assistant public defender. He is working with the National Forensic Science and Technology Center on developing a DNA Mock Trial for President George W. Bush’s DNA Initiative.

The Clearinghouse encourages scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources in the interest of justice.

“We look forward to providing even more services to the legal, scientific and law enforcement communities,” said Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director.

Under Henderson’s direction, Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law.

The Clearinghouse provides a comprehensive online database of legal and scientific research and educates lawyers, judges and law enforcement personnel about new developments in forensic technology and forensic evidence handling in the courts.

For more information on additional National Clearinghouse programs, please call

(727) 562-7316 or visit them on the Web at http://www.ncstl.org.

Director of National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson Law will be part of a national panel about forensic evidence

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
727-562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Carol Henderson, director of the National Clearinghouse for Science,Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law, will be part of a nationwide panel about forensic evidence in an American Bar Association teleconference July 20 at 1 p.m.

Professor Henderson, who has spoken at numerous worldwide venues to the forensic science, legal and law enforcement communities, will participate in the three-person panel along with Cynthia Cwik, partner in Latham and Watkins in San Diego, and James Starrs, George Washington University law professor. Henderson was recently quoted about the “CSI Effect” in the July ABA Journal article, “The Uncertain Science of Evidence,” which is also the topic of the teleconference.

“We are delighted to have Professor Henderson on the panel. She has been instrumental in helping put this teleconference together,” said Gary Courington, with the ABA Center for Continuing Legal Education.

Henderson has presented hundreds of lectures and workshops to forensic scientists and attorneys worldwide. She is the author of three books, including “Scientific Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases,” and more than 45 articles and chapters on scientific evidence, law and ethics. “The Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine,” which Henderson co-edited, was published this summer in the United Kingdom.

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law.

To register, call the ABA at 800-285-2221 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, or register online at https://www.abanet.org/cle/connection.html#schedule.

For more information about the Clearinghouse, please call (727) 562-7316 or visit them on the Web at http://www.ncstl.org.

Stetson Law presents information sessions for its part-time program

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
727-562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law will present information sessions for prospective part-time evening law students on Aug. 9 at the Tampa Law Center and on Aug. 30 at the Gulfport campus. Registration starts at 6 p.m., and each session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Both sessions will present the same information.

The sessions will provide information about the law school admission process, financial aid, part-time law curriculum, legal careers and part-time student perspectives on law school. The part-time law program at Stetson allows non-traditional students to attend evening classes in the fall, spring and summer semesters to complete a law degree in four years.

“Law school had long been an interest of mine, but with a family and a job, it seemed like that opportunity had passed me by,” said Patricia Calhoun, a Stetson part-time law student. “The professors have been willing to work with our part-time class, and they are truly motivated to help us be successful.”

Part-time students take classes at the Gulfport campus and the Tampa Law Center. The Gulfport campus is located at 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport, and the Tampa Law Center is located at 1700 N. Tampa St., Tampa.

The application deadline for the fall 2006 part-time class is March 1, 2006.

To R.S.V.P. for one of the sessions or for more information, contact the Office of Admissions on the Web at http://www.law.stetson.edu/parttime/informationsessions.asp.

Stetson Law programs alert elderly Florida consumers to the dangers of fraud

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s Elder Consumer Protection Program presents a series of consumer fraud seminars for the elderly this month throughout Florida at the following events:

  • “Identity Theft,” July 6, 10:30 a.m., LaBelle Senior Center Connections Center, LaBelle
  • “Loan Fraud,” July 12, 1 p.m., Sunshine Senior Center, St. Petersburg
  • “Loan Fraud,” July 12, 11:30 a.m., Log Cabin Senior Activity Center, Langford
  • “Home Repair Fraud,” July 13, 11 a.m., Liberty Senior Citizens Center, Bristol CANCELLED
  • “Mail Fraud,” July 14, 10:30 a.m., Taylor County Senior Center, Perry
  • “Income Opportunity Fraud,” July 14, 10:45 a.m., Gulf County Senior Citizens Center, Port St. Joe
  • “Telemarketing Fraud,” July 15, 10:30 a.m., Madison Senior Center, Madison
  • “Loan Fraud,” July 15, 10 a.m., Casselberry Multipurpose Senior Center, Casselberry
  • “Identity Theft,” July 19, 1 p.m., Lake Mary Senior Center, Lake Mary
  • “Identity Theft,” July 20, 12 p.m., Beardall Senior Center, Orlando
  • “Loan Fraud,” July 27, 1 p.m., Gulfport Senior Center, Gulfport
  • “Home Solicitation Fraud,” July 27, 10 a.m., USF, Northwest Education Complex, Tampa
  • “Loan Fraud,” July 28, 1:30 p.m., College of Law, Gulfport

“Elder consumers need to learn more about various scams and how to protect themselves from being victims of a scam,” said Rebecca Morgan, head of the program. “Good advice to always remember is ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.'”

Funding for the program was provided in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging, and the presentations are part of Stetson’s work under a federal grant to educate the elderly on consumer fraud prevention. Stetson, a national leader in the field of elder law, has partnered with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, AARP and the legal community to increase public awareness of consumer fraud against senior citizens.

For more information, call Stetson’s Consumer Protection Program at 727-562-7800 ext. 7235.

The Florida Bar honors Stetson Law with two professionalism awards

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – The Florida Bar honored Stetson University College of Law with two professionalism awards at its annual meeting June 23 in Orlando.

“The Bar’s professionalism awards honor a higher level of conduct that the college is proud to represent,” said Dean Darby Dickerson. The Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and the Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism selected the award recipients.

Stetson Law’s Centers for Excellence in Advocacy and Elder Law received the 2005 Professionalism Award for their Elder Law Ethics Video Project. Professor Roberta Flowers, director of the advocacy center, received this year’s Faculty Award for Professionalism.

“Stetson prides itself on training ethical and professional attorneys, and I feel very lucky to be part of a faculty committed to training students to become both effective lawyers and professional advocates,” Flowers said.

Flowers was recently named Stetson’s first William Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law, a position designed to foster professionalism among students. Under Flowers’ direction, Stetson’s advocacy program tied for first in the nation in the 2006 graduate school rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

The series of 15 educational videos produced by the advocacy and elder law centers encourage professionalism by illustrating how elder law students, attorneys and judges can deal successfully with ethical issues in the real world.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Professor Rebecca Morgan, who directs the elder law center. “Real-world vignettes and an audience response system engage the audience in a discussion of ethical and professional behavior while illustrating the most professional approach to day-to-day ethical problems faced by elder law attorneys.”

Morgan also received the Faculty Award for Professionalism in 2003.

Stetson Law presents awards to alumni and friends

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law recently honored the commitment and dedication of several alumni and friends at its annual Stetson Lawyers Association Alumni Reception.

Dannel G. DeBerg ’82 received the Ben C. Willard Award for her distinguished humanitarian achievements that have benefited Florida citizens and people throughout the world. DeBerg works as a part of New Frontiers Health Force, a non-denominational missionary group that travels and provides aid to areas hit by natural disasters. She practices in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury law.

Alexander M. Clem ’90 and Judge James D. Whittemore ’77 received Distinguished Alumnus Awards. Clem practices in the areas of nursing home negligence, personal injury and wrongful death, and he has been involved with legislative and tort reform issues. He is also the immediate past president of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. Judge Whittemore, a member of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida since 2000, has presided over several important cases, including portions of the Terri Schiavo case.

John W. Staunton ’97 received the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award for his continued support of the College of Law. Staunton is an active member of the state and national associations of elder law attorneys, and he has worked to support Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law.

Robert Biasotti ’96 and Robert “Robin” Doyle ’75 each received Outstanding Alumni Representative Awards. Biasotti is a shareholder in the St. Petersburg office of Carlton Fields P.A., and he recently worked with the firm to create a Diversity Fellowship Program for Stetson students. Doyle is a partner with the law firm of Quarles and Brady LLP. He recently completed a two-year term on the Stetson Lawyers Advisory Council and in the fall will join the College’s Board of Overseers.

Paul A. Turk Jr. ’79 was recognized with the President’s Award for his year-long service as president of the Stetson Lawyers Association. Turk was elected to the College of Law’s Board of Overseers.

John Dubrule, Judge Alexander L. Paskay and Professor Michael I. Swygert received Distinguished Service Awards for significant, meritorious and continuing contributions that have benefited Stetson Law. Dubrule is director of litigation at Gulfcoast Legal Services. Judge Paskay, chief bankruptcy judge emeritus for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida, has worked with Stetson students and served as chair of many Stetson seminars and symposia since 1974. Professor Swygert retired from Stetson in May after 25 years of service and is writing the official history of the College of Law.

The awards were presented June 23 at the 2005 annual meeting of The Florida Bar.

Stetson Law moot court team wins top brief award at Florida Bar competition

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – A Stetson University College of Law moot court team won the Best Brief Award, the top award for a written submission, at the Florida Bar’s Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition last week in Orlando at the Bar’s annual conference.

Also, for five consecutive years, a Stetson team has advanced to the finals in the competition. Students Royce Bluitt and Reneka Redmond argued before Florida Supreme Court justices and district court judges in the finals. For the third straight year, Stetson’s team placed second. Team member Alyson George wrote the award-winning brief.

“I am very proud that we won the Best Brief award, one of the top three awards in any competition,” said Stetson Law Professor Stephanie Vaughan, who advises the moot court board. “The competition was very exciting, and we had a great group of people, including Dean Darby Dickerson, cheering us in the finals.”

Eighteen teams from nine Florida law schools competed in the tournament. A team from Florida Coastal School of Law defeated the Stetson team in the finals.