The United States incarcerates citizens at a higher rate per capita than any other nation. Although the rate of imprisonment in the U.S. has increased by 500% in the last 40 years, violent crime is on the rise, and fear of violence is a significant and growing political concern. There is widespread agreement that our harsh and punitive criminal justice system needs reform, yet the usual reform efforts are limited in effectiveness by being merely technocratic or ideologically partisan. 

Lawyerly work, informed by respect for the inviolable dignity of the human person and an understanding of law and punishment as ordered for the common good, is needed to transform our criminal justice system. Growing out of the work of the Catholic Criminal Justice Reform Network of the Lumen Christi Institute at The University of Chicago, this conference aims to energize and focus criminal justice reform efforts by engaging fundamental religious and moral commitments. This year’s conference will feature experts in criminal law and justice, whose work shaped by these deeper commitments aims to develop reform coalitions for the common good. 

The 17th Annual John F. Scarpa Conference on Law, Politics and Culture, co-sponsored by the Collegium Institute, will interest legal practitioners and reformers, as well as those affected by the criminal justice system, including returning citizens, victims and survivors of crime and affected family members. Deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, vengeance, mercy, hatred, love and the common good will be among the topics of this conference aimed at truly transformative work in denouncing crime, vindicating victims, reforming and punishing wrongdoers and healing relationships torn by crime. 

The Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board has approved this symposium for 4.5 substantive and 1 ethical credit. Please note registration prior to the event is required.

Click the button below to learn more and to register.