Alabama Criminal Justice Symposium
Presented at the Convention of theLeague of Women Voters of Alabama
May 2, 2015
Auburn, AL
- About this event
- Video of the symposium (first panel)
- Audio of the symposium (second panel)
- Questions to the panelists
- Panelist biographies
About this event
The League of Women Voters of Alabama (LWVAL) invited leaders in the Alabama criminal justice system to convene for a symposium at the league’s 2015 biennial convention. Two panels discussed current prison conditions in the state of Alabama, their cause, and the best course of action to bring about meaningful reform. The event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, AL beginning at 1:45 p.m. on May 2, 2015. The public was invited to attend.
Video of the Symposium
First Panel
Following are the video recorded presentations of the panelists on the causes of prison overcrowding in Alabama prisons. These include presentations by:
- Judge O. L. "Pete" Johnson, Retired - Introduction
- Bennet Wright, Executive Director, AL Sentencing Commission
- Judge Teresa T. Pulliam, Circuit Court Judge in the Criminal Division of the AL 10th Judicial Circuit (Jefferson County)
- Darrell Morgan, Assistant Executive Director, AL Board of Pardons and Paroles
- Miriam Shehane, Founder of Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL)
- Maria Morris, Managing Attorney, Southern Poverty Law Center, AL Office
- Jefferson S. Dunn, Commissioner, AL Department of Corrections
- Joel Sogol, Criminal Defense Attorney practicing in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Judge O. L. "Pete" Johnson - Wrap-up
Other panelists who presented were:
- Jefferey Williams, Deputy Commissioner, AL Department of Corrections
- Janette Grantham, Executive Director of Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL)
Due to technical difficulties, the second portion of this symposium dealing with possible solutions to the overcrowding issues in Alabama prisons could not be filmed. We apologize to our viewers, and especially to those panelists who presented in the second round: Joel Sogol, Bennet Wright, Judge Pulliam, Darrell Morgan, Janette Grantham, Maria Morris, and Jefferey Williams.
Audio of the Symposium
Second Panel
Above is a rough audio recording of the second portion of the symposium in part. Here is a guide to time entry points for speakers recorded. Turn your sound up.
0:00 Maria Morris (in part)
5:26 Judge Teresa Pulliam
17:14 Bennet Wright
27:56 Janette Grantham
41:57 Pete Johnson
Note: Audio of Joel Sogol and Jefferey Williams was not captured in the second panel. We apologize.
0:00 Maria Morris (in part)
5:26 Judge Teresa Pulliam
17:14 Bennet Wright
27:56 Janette Grantham
41:57 Pete Johnson
Note: Audio of Joel Sogol and Jefferey Williams was not captured in the second panel. We apologize.
Questions to the Panelists
Those attending the Alabama Criminal Justice Symposium were given the opportunity to write questions on index cards and submit these for the panelists to answer. There was insufficient time to answer those questions on the day of the symposium. The questions were sent to the panelists. As responses are received, they will be posted here. View audience questions and panelist responses here.