University of New England

Panel of legal experts to discuss U.S. Constitutional issues Sept. 15th

The Constitution and issues of national security and privacy will be two of the topics addressed during the University of New England's Constitution Day, Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 during a panel discussion from 12 - 2 p.m. in the St. Francis Room at the Ketchum Library, University Campus.

The panel will include presentations by Thaddeus West, of the York County District Attorney's Office; James Roach, of the Florida-based law firm Liggio, Benrubi & Williams; and Kevin H. O'Neill, a Manchester, N.H. director of the law firm of Gibson & Behman, P.C.

This panel is organized in compliance with the December 2004 Federal government’s legislation, which requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds implement educational programs relating to the United States Constitution.  The objective of this panel is to educate and raise the awareness of our students regarding the making, reading, and significance of the Constitution.

A light lunch will be provided at noon and the presentation begins at 12:10 p.m. For more information, contact, Professor Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, chair of the Department of Political Science, 207-602- 2804

The speakers will cover the following topics:

“Reading and Interpreting the Constitution”
Thaddeus West

A graduate of the University of Kentucky (BA history), and Stetson College of Law in late 2000. He’s been with the York County District Attorney’s Office for the last five years (currently assigned to the Superior Court in Alfred responsible for jury trial matters for both misdemeanors and felonies), as well as broadening horizons at York County Community College since spring of 2002.

“The Constitution and How it Affects National Security”
James Roche

James Roche is an attorney with the law firm of Liggio, Benrubi & Williams where he practices ERISA and insurance litigation. In addition, he has taught numerous constitutional law classes both at the undergraduate and law school level. He will discuss the Constitution and how it affects national security.

“The Evolving View Regarding a Right of Privacy under the Constitution”
Kevin H. O'Neill

Kevin H. O’Neill, Esquire is a Director with the law firm of Gibson & Behman, P.C.. He practices primarily in the areas of civil litigation in multi-state and federal courts, bankruptcy law and appellate practice in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He will discuss the evolving view regarding a right of privacy under the Constitution.

(Press release issued Sept. 7, 2006)