University of Richmond School of Law to Host Rule of Law Conference
March 26, 2007
The Chief Justice of the United States and the Chief Justice of England and Wales lead an array of distinguished legal scholars from around the world who will participate in the Rule of Law Conference, hosted by the University of Richmond School of Law April 11 through 14 in Richmond, Virginia. The Rule of Law Conference is the fifth event in the International Conference Series on the Foundations and Future of Democracy, sponsored by the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission.
The conference brings a host of distinguished speakers to Richmond including Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr., The Rt. Hon. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers (Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales) and United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Rory Brady, SC, Attorney General of Ireland and Elaine Jones, former President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Retired United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will also participate in scheduled events that will continue throughout the weekend. O'Connor is the Honorary Chair of America's 400th Anniversary, the national commemoration marking the settlement of Jamestown in 1607.
At the conference, jurists, academics, lawyers and students will discuss the essential principles of the rule of law as the animating foundation of democracy. Panel topics include religious freedom, due process, free speech, international dispute resolution and cultural differences. A complete schedule is listed below.
"At a time when young and emerging democracies around the world seek their own expression of the rule of law governing their societies, it is appropriate to examine our own experience," said Rodney A. Smolla, Dean of the University of Richmond School of Law. "The rule of law is central to the human quest for justice, stability, and peace. Its key ingredients include a commitment to independent courts, transparent public institutions, elementary human rights, and democratic participation," he added.
"The Rule of Law Conference is a unique forum where international lawyers, jurists and academics will discuss and debate the role that law plays in the development of Democratic societies," Timothy J. Sullivan, chairman of the Democracy Conference Planning Council, said. "We are thrilled to see the caliber of panelists and the program the University of Richmond School of Law has developed to draw attention to this timely and robust topic."
The Rule of Law Conference is part of the International Conference Series on the Foundations and Future of Democracy sponsored by the Jamestown 400th Federal Commission. The year-long series is bringing noted democratic scholars and political practitioners together at various Virginia university sites for topical sessions exploring the elements of successful democratic systems and the future of mature and emerging democracies in the world.
The University of Richmond School of Law is sponsoring the conference in participation with the American Inns of Court, the English Inns of Court, the American Arbitration Association, the Commercial Bar Association, the John Marshall Foundation, the John Marshall American Inn of Court, the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. American Inn of Court, LexisNexis, the National Center for State Courts, and the Virginia Bar Association Foundation.
The conference begins on Wed., April 11 with the panel, "Global Issues and the Rule of Law," from 4:00-5:45p.m. at the Modlin Center, Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond. All panels on Thurs., April 12 will be held in the University of Richmond School of Law Moot Court Room from 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Many of the events are open to the public at no charge, but space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register visit ruleoflaw.richmond.edu.