In popular TV programs, legal advocacy consists of strident cross-examinations, passionate closing arguments, and -- at least once each episode -- shouting “objection!” in a court of law. But many future lawyers are not aware of alternative dispute resolution -- a way of resolving legal claims outside of a court of law through arbitration, mediation or negotiation. Professor Nancy Welsh, a mediation expert at Penn State, will shed light on the universe of alternative dispute resolution when the “Experience Penn State Law” series continues at 3:30 p.m. on March 17.
Welsh will present "How the Jury Trial Has Become the New Form of 'Alternative' Dispute Resolution -- and Why That’s Not Necessarily a Good Thing.” She will explore whether the courts, legislatures, agencies and repeat players are now forcing too many disputes into these alternatives to court -- and why the jury trial deserves a renaissance.
The “Experience Penn State Law” series is designed to connect prospective law students to cutting-edge legal scholarship. Open to the public, this lecture takes place live in Lewis Katz Hall at 333 W. South Street in Carlisle and will be simulcast to the Greg Sutliff Auditorium in the Lewis Katz Building in University Park. Prospective students nationwide also are invited to join via live webcast.