On October 13, 2004, the Sacramento County Bar Association’s newest section - the Constitutional Law & Civil Rights Section - held its first event, a brown bag lunch featuring a presentation by McGeorge Professor John Sims on “Civil Rights and the War on Terrorism.”

The event was well-attended by members of the local legal community, including, among others, our Public Defender, Paulino Duran, private practitioners Russell Miller, Jim Kirby, Dean Johansson, and Virginia S. Mueller, and public entity counselors Bernard Lu from the Department of Motor Vehicles and Yoshinori Himel from the federal Department of Justice. Not surprisingly, the discussion before and after Professor Sims’ presentation was robust.

The Constitutional Law & Civil Rights Section was created to provide a forum to discuss developments in the related fields of Constitutional Law and Civil Rights, to provide opportunities to earn MCLE credits by attending lectures, discussions, and other events concerning Constitutional Law and Civil Rights, and to encourage interest in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights in the local professional and social community. As it is only in its infancy, the section is looking to increase its membership, elect officers, and increase community involvement. Section meetings take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., on the first Thursday of every month, at the Law Office of Mark E. Merin. The meetings are open to current and prospective members and provide an opportunity for professionals in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights to discuss current issues in their practice and in the community.

The section will be holding two more free brown bag lunches this year. On November 10, 2004, Professor Leslie Jacobs will give an overview of her recent work concerning the “First Amendment Rights of Government Funded Scientists.” On December 8, 2004, the section will host a roundtable discussion addressing “Civil Rights Law: Practice vs. Theory.” That discussion will be led by professors Julie Davies and Brian Landsberg and an as yet-undetermined local civil rights practitioner. Both events will be held at the SCBA Conference Room at 901 H Street, Suite 101 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the section or have any questions or comments about upcoming events, please contact the Section’s Acting Chairperson, Jeff Schwarzschild at telephone: (916) 443-6911or e-mail: jeff@markmerin.com.