The District Court of the Virgin Islands will host its second annual District Conference beginning at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort. Over 200 attendees, among them judges, lawyers, distinguished professors and members of government agencies are expected to participate. Panelists and speakers will discuss topics including a practical examination of the rules of evidence, the constitutional privileges of citizens of the territories and the impact of Supreme Court cases.
Former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor will be among the featured speakers. Renowned constitutional scholar and founding dean of the University of California at Irvine School of Law Erwin Chemerinsky will be returning this year. He is one of the most sought-after speakers on constitutional matters in the nation. He will provide an unscripted review of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and participate in a discussion about the Insular Cases.
Other distinguished guests will include: Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Theodore McKee; Judge of the District Court of Guam Frances Tydingco-Gatewood; Judge Jean Sanchez of the District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the V.I. Rhys S. Hodge; Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the V.I. Maria Cabret; Prof. David Sonenshein of the Temple University School of Law; and distinguished members of the Virgin Islands Bar.
“The District Court is pleased to have such distinguished national and local guests and scholars discuss these relevant and intellectually robust topics. It is a unique and special opportunity for the district. I am excited that the legal community, as well as the community at large, will have an opportunity to take advantage of this dynamic and educatioanl exchange,” said Chief Judge Curtis V. Gomez.
For more information, contact Joanne Barry, chief deputy clerk, at 774-0640 or Joanne_Barry@vid.uscourts.gov