Michael Lawlor

Sunday, January 17 at 10:00am on Zoom
COMMEMORATING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Michael Lawlor, J.D.
2021: A Year of a Criminal Justice Reform?  
The Top 10 Trends Driving Change

CBJ presents Michael P. Lawlor, J.D, Professor of Criminal Justice at University of New Haven, former prosecutor, CT state legislator, and Governor’s Criminal Justice advisor.  Lawlor’s discussion will explore central themes found in two award-winning films, “13th”, and “Just Mercy’.  Viewing of both films is recommended prior to attendance. *

“13th,” director Ava DuVernay’s documentary about the U.S. prison system, examines how the country’s history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America.  “Just Mercy,” based on the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who, with the help of young defense attorney Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction.   A widely acclaimed expert, Lawlor has served on numerous national criminal justice reform commissions and led the push for CT’s same-sex civil union legislation.  His current focus is on researching, writing, and collaborating with students on policy reforms. We are fortunate to be able to learn about Lawlor’s work and how the nation might carry Dr. King’s democratic vision into the future.