The School of Law’s Civil Clinics will sponsor a moot court on “Civil Gideon,” which will examine whether the Constitution requires a lawyer for poor people in civil cases involving fundamental legal needs, such as shelter. The argument will take place Nov. 1 in the Dean Rusk Hall Courtroom from 4:30–6 p.m. It is open to the public.
Gerald R. Weber of the Southern Center for Human Rights and Timothy W. Floyd, a faculty member at the Mercer University School of Law, will argue the hypothetical case to a panel of judges that includes Athens-Clarke County Chief Magistrate Judge Patricia Barron, Athens-Clarke County attorney William C. Berryman Jr. and UGA law professors Erica J. Hashimoto and Russell C. Gabriel.
In August, the American Bar Association issued a declaration calling for the recognition of a right to counsel for poor litigants in civil cases involving fundamental legal needs. This mock trial responds to that declaration, according to Alexander Scherr, associate professor and director of Civil Clinics.
“We hope to raise awareness about this issue and to educate others on the law surrounding the matter,” Scherr said.
A group discussion will follow the mock trial. All attendees are invited to participate. For attorneys, continuing legal education credit is available.
