This three-session community course, geared to lay-people, will support learners in their understanding of the U.S. criminal legal process, our systems of justice, and criminal trials. The information presented will help the whole community understand what goes on in the criminal courts, how trials work, what justice can look like and how we might attain it, and the special features and procedures of death penalty cases.

By learning about this together, our community can understand what to expect. This knowledge will empower us to stand together and support one another during the stressful trial proceedings. Each session, taught by Professor David Harris of Pitt’s School of Law and Squirrel Hill resident, will present on a different facet of the justice system, with ample time and opportunity to ask questions.

While this course will be helpful for those interested in understanding the legal system better before the April trial, this will not be a preview of matters pertaining to the trial. Learning will focus on trial processes and capital cases in general and will not be placed in the context of the upcoming trial.

Registration is required! We ask that participants who register for this three-class course make their best effort to attend all three classes.