2005 Law Day Luncheon

The Nebraska State Bar Foundation and the Nebraska Supreme Court hosted the Sixth Annual Law Day Luncheon and conference featuring nationally acclaimed trial consultant, Dr. Paul M. Lisnek.

Dr. Lisnek has served as a jury expert for NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, MTV, and FOX. He has been featured on numerous national television shows, including “The Today Show,” “Nightly News with Tom Brokaw,” and “Paula Zahn Now.” He is the author of The Hidden Jury and Other Secret Tactics Lawyers Use to Win.

Highlights:
• Recognition of Sixth Annual Law Day Essay Contest winners, grades 7-12
• Keynote address by Dr. Lisnek, discussing The American Jury
• Free interactive afternoon session with Dr. Lisnek on various aspects of Jury Selection from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Lisnek’s appearance in Nebraska was funded in part by a generous gift from the Omaha law firm of McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, PC, LLO and by the Bar Foundation.

The Law Day Essay Contest attracts essays from students across the state, competing by grade level, grades 7-12. By researching and writing about a topic related to the annual Law Day theme, students can gain a deeper understanding of and make a stronger connection with our heritage of liberty and the citizenship it requires to keep our country free.

The Essay Contest culminates each May on Law Day (on or near May 1) with a luncheon honoring the winners. Parents, teachers, and community members are also invited to attend this annual luncheon.

The theme for this year’s Law Day, was“The American Jury: We the People in Action.” Students were asked to address the following question:

The Supreme Court has held that although no group can lawfully be excluded from service on a jury, no group is entitled to be represented on a particular jury. What is the significance of this distinction? How important do you think the diversity of a jury would be to the fairness of a trial in your community?

Winners were selected from each grade level, and they, their teachers and parents were invited to a special recognition luncheon on April 28, 2005, in Lincoln. Students were not asked to read their essays; however, copies of the writers’ winning work were bound and displayed at the luncheon.


  

2005 Law Day Luncheon
Thursday, April 28, 2005
The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel
333 S. 13th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska
11:45 a.m.

 

The following are images from the 2005 Law Day Luncheon, which was held to honor the winners from this year's Law Day Essay Contest. Dr. Paul Lisnek keynoted this event and offered insight into the inner workings of juries and of jury selection.

 

  
     
 
Dr. Lisnek autographs his book, The Hidden Jury, for essay contest winners.
   Dr. Lisnek conducts a panel discussion on ethical issues with Judge Steven D. Burns, Lancaster County District Court, Judge William Jay Riley, U.S. Court of Appeals, and Paul D. Boeshart, U.S. Attorney’s Office.
     
 
Chief Justice Hendry introduces keynote presenter Dr. Paul Lisnek.
   Nationally acclaimed jury consultant Dr. Paul Lisnek highlights the students’ essays as he discusses The American Jury.
     

Winners and their teachers accept awards from Chief Justice John V. Hendry of the Nebraska Supreme Court
and George E. Svoboda, President of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation:
 
Seventh grade winner Elizabeth Eberle and teacher Jarod Ockander (David City Public School)
   Eighth grade winner Kristin Messersmith and teacher Jennifer Kesting (Winside Public School)
     
 
Ninth grade winner Tim Burge and teacher Anita Burge (Grant High School)   Tenth grade winner Amber Kotschwar (Southwest Public School)
     
 
Eleventh grade winner Kyle Solberg (Millard North High School)
   Twelfth grade winner Deseree Johnston and teacher Jim Schutt (Orchard Public Schools)