Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Center for Justice Reform is hosting a screening of the documentary film "To Be Fair: Sarah Fair George and the Fight for Justice in Vermont" on Feb. 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Chase Center. The 30-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion including VLGS Alum and Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George, filmmakers Jennifer Hill and Duane Peterson, Professor Jessica Brown, and Vermont State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, and moderated by Professor Jill Martin-Diaz. This event is free and the public is invited to attend in-person or join remotely.
Sarah George earned her JD from Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2010, and went on to become a prosecutor in Chittenden County in 2011. She was sworn in as the elected State’s Attorney in 2017.
“I look forward to returning to Vermont Law and Graduate School to talk about my experiences with the Vermont legal system and share how we can continue to shape policy in a way that benefits our entire community,” said George.
Since serving as State’s Attorney, George has focused on ways to overhaul the criminal legal system by finding innovative ways to serve her community. From significantly reducing the number of cases charged and increasing diversion eligibility, to eliminating cash bail and decreasing supervision and incarcerative sentences, George is dedicated to providing opportunity, intervention, and holistic support to victims and families, as well as to the community members who commit crimes, while holding individuals accountable, and implementing smart strategies and innovations that promote safe, healthy, and strong communities.
“This event is a great opportunity for students learning about Criminal Law and Restorative Justice to hear from a passionate, innovative, inspiring leader in the field,” said Professor Jessica Brown. “For anyone questioning whether our traditional Criminal Legal System can really create safer communities, this is a chance to hear from people with experience working in the system, about different ways to think about true public safety and how we can achieve it.”
Participants can use the following link to join the event remotely via Teams: bit.ly/to-be-fair
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About Vermont Law and Graduate School: Vermont Law and Graduate School, a private, independent institution, is home to the nation’s premier environmental law program. The school features innovative experiential programs and is home to the Environmental Law Center, South Royalton Legal Clinic, Environmental Advocacy Clinic, Energy Clinic, Food and Agriculture Clinic, Environmental Justice Clinic, and Center for Justice Reform. For more information, visit www.vermontlaw.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.