Pound‘s Forum for State Appellate Court Judges, held annually since 1992, is a full-day educational program offered only to judges. This intensive, in-depth examination of current issues affecting civil justice in the United States allows judges to attend as guests of the Institute, at no cost to them or their court. This Forum provides original legal research, created by prominent academics; commentary by experts from both sides of the bar; and small group discussions to facilitate a deep dive into the issues raised. The Forum papers and reports are available for free download and provide citable, unique resources for the judiciary, academics, and practitioners.
2020 Judges Forum – “Dangerous Secrets: Confronting Confidentiality in Our Public Courts”
Saturday, July 11, 2020, via online platform
Judges – Register your interest
A considerable range of American legal proceedings and certain out-of-court agreements are kept secret—sometimes with deadly results. During civil litigation, information is frequently sought from or about prior suits to save time and expense in discovery, to test the veracity of defense filings, and to assist similarly affected clients. Typically, defendants do not want adversaries to be able to share information produced in discovery, and they sometimes try to keep secret even the fact that there has been litigation. While proponents argue that the purpose of secrecy is merely to protect the parties’ privacy, often it veils dangerous products and practices, to the detriment of consumers and workers. The news media have a great aversion to secrecy, and frequently petition to have court secrecy orders vacated, while consumer, civil rights, and employment advocates often ask courts to open their files so that they can gain information about, and publicize, dangerous products and practices.
At the 2020 Judges Forum, legal scholars, judges, practitioners, and members of the news media will discuss the nature and extent of secrecy in our publicly-financed American courts and in the larger environment of negotiation, and will consider means to combat dangerous secrecy in civil litigation.
Prior Forums
CLICK HERE to see prior Judges Forums.
