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DUQUESNE PANEL ALLOWS D.A.S TO DISCUSS ‘PROSECUTION & PUBLIC POLICY’

January 31, 2013

Harrisburg, PA -The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) will pair with Duquesne University School of Law to present a symposium featuring seven district attorneys and a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice, who will discuss the public service role and duties of the modern-day prosecutor.

“Prosecution and Public Policy in the 21st Century” will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom. Topics may include specialty courts, the role of technology, juvenile offenders and D.A. leadership beyond the courtroom.

The Hon. J. Michael Eakin of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will moderate the panel discussion, which will include:

  • Hon. Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County District Attorney
  • Hon. Richard A. Goldinger, Butler County District Attorney
  • Hon. Edward M. Marsico, Jr., Dauphin County District Attorney
  • Hon. Francis J. Schultz, Crawford County District Attorney
  • Hon. Eugene A. Vittone, Washington County District Attorney
  • Hon. Shawn C. Wagner, Adams County District Attorney
  • Hon. Stephen A. Zappala, Jr., Allegheny County District Attorney.

Since its founding in 1912, the PDAA has dutifully sponsored extensive training programs and reported legal and legislative developments of importance to Pennsylvania prosecutors.  In addition, legislative leaders at the state and national levels often call upon the Association to address public policy issues and efforts, which impact the prosecution of criminal cases, victim rights and public safety. PDAA is comprised of approximately 1,200 members and is charged with providing uniformity and efficiency in the discharge of duties and functions of Pennsylvania’s 67 district attorneys and their assistants.

Most recently, the Association successfully led efforts to craft appropriate sentences for juveniles convicted of murder, update the state’s wiretap act, restore tough sentences against straw purchasers of illegal guns, provide a more rational teen sexting law, and reinvest savings from the Department of Corrections and Board of Probation and Parole. In addition, the PDAA has led the effort to close loopholes in Megan’s Law, ban the use and sale of dangerous synthetic drugs, reform Pennsylvania’s prison system, and institute new, more stringent practice standards for juvenile prosecutors.