CBA Record July-August 2023

I recently found another parallel between Ireland and the United States. In my research following my visit to Kil mainham, I came across a press release from Ireland’s Department of Justice. It detailed the findings of a “Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform.” (Press Release, Irish Dept. of Justice, Government Publishes Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 (Published Aug. 31, 2022).) Among the recommendations were reducing short-term custodial sen

tences, making prison a last resort, and considering alternatives to incarceration time. Reading these recommendations reminded me of the Illinois Safe-T Act, the legislation notable for ending cash bail and requiring a finding that a defendant poses a threat to the community before they can be detained pretrial. I cannot help but wonder if such a law could have spared Peter Cassidy, James Fisher, John Gaffney, and Richard Twohig. I’m intrigued by the implemen tation of the Act and hope that it is just

the beginning of further criminal justice reform in Illinois. As time goes by, that Act, and legislation that follows, will likely require fine tuning. When that fine tuning is prompted, I hope we look to legislation and history beyond our own borders for ideas.

John Clucas is an associate attorney at Monahan Law Group, LLC where his main practice is adult guardianship.

Sláinte! CBA CLE Abroad in Dublin, Ireland By Daniel Cotter, CBA Past President and CBA Record Editorial Board Member

The CBA began a tradition of international CLE programs in 2007 under the leadership of then-president Kevin Durkin. Every year since, the bar president coordinates a trip abroad focused on legal education and camaraderie for members. Covid-19 put a halt to the program from 2020 through 2022. This year, President Tim Tomasik and his wife, Jennifer, saw the restart of CBA CLE Abroad with a bang, returning to Dublin, Ireland, the site of the first trip 16 years ago. Over 100 people attended this year’s trip. The program officially kicked off with a reception and dinner at the Guinness Storehouse. Whether you like Guinness or not, tasting it directly from the place it is made makes a huge differ ence. The Storehouse is also a museum and is worth a visit even without a pint. Attendees were also treated to Irish music and an amazing buffet, washed down with plenty of Guinness. Two mornings of educational programming were held at The Bar of Ireland. Presentations included a comparison between the Irish and U.S. legal systems and legal ethics, with both bench and bar providing insights. Both legal systems have similar goals of advocating for justice for the parties in an ethical manner yet differ in some key respects. Jury trials in Ireland and ADR essentials were also covered. Attendees were then treated to a tour of the Four Courts, Dub lin’s most prestigious courthouse, a reception at The Sheds Bar in

the Bar of Ireland, and a tour the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, a famous jail where ordinary criminals were housed alongside those who fought for Irish independence. The official programming in Dublin wrapped up with a gala dinner at the King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest school of law. Attendees continued on to the beautiful port town of Kinsale for more sightseeing, golf, and social events. Highlights included a Monty Python-like ghost tour, golf at Old Head Golf Links, a breathtaking golf course on a high ridge surrounded by water, a walking tour, and a pub crawl. CLE Abroad trips are an opportunity to spend time with fellow bar members and make friends in an intimate setting. Wherever the trip’s venue is, you will have time to see amazing sites while rekindling and deepening existing friendships and making new friends – all while earning CLE credits and learning about com parative law. Who wouldn’t raise a toast to that? Sláinte and get ready for Mexico City in March 2024 with President Ray Koenig. We look forward to cerveza and ceviche and kindling more friend ships ahead. On demand video of the educational courses held in Dublin, Ireland are available at learn.chicagobar.org. Watch your email this Fall for updates on CBA CLE Abroad in Mexico City.

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