Tulane Law School and the National Book Foundation are partnering to host an evening exploring the stories of those who’ve lived under mass incarceration nationally, and the efforts at criminal justice reform. Titled “Literature for Justice: The Gravity of Bearing Witness,” Tulane scholars will discuss the state of criminal justice reforms alongside authors who will share stories about incarceration, redemption, and the search for hope in darkness.

A reception and book signing will follow.  The event is open to the public, but registration is encouraged here.

The panel includes:

• Prof. Janet “Jancy” Hoeffel, who specializes criminal law and procedure, death penalty law and evidence.
• Prof. Becki Kondkar, Director of Tulane’s Domestic Violence Clinic.
• Prof. Katherine Mattes, Director of Tulane’s Criminal Justice Clinic.
• Jimmy Santiago Baca, poet and author of A Place to Stand who was imprisoned at 21and served six-and-a-half years in prison, three of them in isolation.
• Reginald Dwayne Betts, author of Shahid Reads His Own Palm and two other novels who writes about social justice issues. He spent eight years in prison when he was charged as an adult at the age of 16.
• Sergio de La Pava (moderator), author of Lost Empress and Literature for Justice Committee member. Pava has worked for years as a public defender in New York.