Judicial Courage and Decision-Making (In-Person Program)

This is an in-person program, and the program location was recently changed.

Opening Remarks by Retired Superior Court Judge Karen F. Green

Moderators:
In order of appearance
United States District Judge Patti B. Saris (District of Massachusetts)
Northeastern University Law Professor Deborah A. Ramirez

Panelists:
In order of appearance
Retired United States District Judge Nancy Gertner (District of Massachusetts)
United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves (Southern District of Mississippi)
Retired Chief Justice of Supreme Judicial Court Margaret H. Marshall
Retired Appeals Court Judge Sydney Hanlon
Retired Superior Court Judge Douglas H. Wilkins

United States District Judge Patti B. Saris and Northeastern University Law Professor Deborah A. Ramirez will lead this half-day, in-person, educational program on an important topic – Judicial Courage and Decision-Making. The panelists include extraordinarily talented, experienced, and fearless jurists, who will discuss various examples of judicial courage. Retired Superior Court Judge Karen Green, a former law clerk to United States District Judge W. Arthur Garrity, will offer introductory remarks about Judge Garrity’s Boston school desegregation and busing decision in time for the 50th Anniversary of that historic decision.

Retired United States District Judge Nancy Gertner and special out-of-state guest speaker, United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, Southern District of Mississippi, will share their personal reflections on the decision-making process for important decisions in their careers.

Retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, Margaret H. Marshall will discuss the Massachusetts landmark decision recognizing the right to marry for same-sex couples. Appeals Court Justice Sydney Hanlon, and Superior Court Judge Douglas H. Wilkins will address their brave decisions in the pursuit of justice.

A lively panel discussion will follow, featuring all panelists, active and retired, trial and appellate judges from the state and federal judiciaries sharing personal perspectives and examples from their years of experience. There will be time allotted for Q&A during the program. This program has something for every judge in every court.

Advance registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Please feel free to contact us at: programs@flaschner.org.

Please note that the location of this program has changed.