Release date: Jan. 22, 2003
Contact: Elaine Justice, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0643 or ejustic@emory.edu

Emory Hosts Forum Featuring Former Gov. Barnes, Federal Judge on Confidential Settlement of Lawsuits

The Federal Bar Association will present its annual Robert S. Vance Forum on the Bill of Rights at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Emory University School of Law. This year's topic--in the wake of the Catholic Church priest abuse scandals and numerous product liability lawsuits--addresses the confidential settlement of lawsuits and whether the public has a right to know.

Former Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes will lead a panel debating the precarious balance that must be reached between encouraging settlement through confidentiality and keeping the public informed about potential dangers. Joining him will be Chief Judge Joseph F. Anderson of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, who has entered an order forbidding confidential settlements.

Also scheduled to participate are: Richard H. Sinkfield, a partner with the Atlanta law firm of Rogers & Hardin, LLP, whose litigation practice focuses on defense work; Thomas A. Eaton, J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law at the University of Georgia, who teaches torts and products liability; and Ronald L. Carlson, Fuller E. Callaway Chair of Law at UGA, who will moderate the forum. Senior Judge Peter T. Fay of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will present a tribute to Judge Vance at the beginning of the program.

The forum, to be held in Tull Auditorium at the law school, will be preceded by a reception at 6:45 p.m. The event is free, but seating is limited, and reservations are recommended by e-mailing Susan Ferraro at sferraro@fjl-law.com and including your name, phone number and the number of seats to reserve, or calling 404-586-2024.

The Federal Bar Association is a professional organization of attorneys who practice in federal courts. The forum has been presented by the FBA since 1990 in honor of 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Robert S. Vance, who was well-known for his strong stance on the Bill of Rights. Vance was assassinated in 1989.

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