NEW ORLEANS – The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office is extending an invitation to the community to take part in its seventh annual DA’s Citizens Academy, from Tuesday, Sept. 12 – Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Attendees will learn about the Criminal Justice System and the role of the prosecutor for the Parish of Orleans State of Louisiana. This academy was created to educate the public on all subjects within the criminal justice system.
DA Leon Cannizzaro offers his Citizens Academy at no charge to the community and Crimestoppers assists with funding to provide a light meal each week.
Class sizes are limited to 35 – 40 people, and classes are held in the Grand Jury Room of the District Attorney’s Office, 619 South White St.
During the classes, all are encouraged to enter into open discussions with DA Leon Cannizzaro and his senior staff. Real case studies are brought to life and discussed so when case law is applied it is understood, organizers said.
Attorneys attending the DA’s Academy will receive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. Two credit hours are earned for attending each of the first seven classes for a total of fourteen CLE hours. Organizers request that attorneys attend at least five of the seven classes for the CLE credit. The last class offers no credits because it is a graduation celebration.
The DA’s Citizens Academy schedule includes:
Week 1 – Tuesday, Sept, 12
Welcome and Introduction
DA Leon Cannizzaro
Week 2 – Tuesday, Sept. 19
Screening…Where it Begins.
Appeals…Where it Ends.
Week 3 – Tuesday, Sept. 26
Investigations in the DA’s Office
Building a Rape Case
Week 4 – Tuesday, Oct. 3
Prosecuting a Homicide
Week 5 – Tuesday, Oct. 10
Gang Violence
Week 6 – Wednesday, Oct. 18
Social Services: Victim/ Witness Assistance, Adult/ Juvenile Diversion and Domestic Violence Counseling
Week 7 – Tuesday, Oct. 24
Juvenile Crime/ Child Support Enforcement/ Office Finance
Week 8 – Tuesday, Oct. 31
Closing with the all the Chiefs: DA Leon Cannizzaro, OPDA, NOPD, FBI, U.S. Attorney, and Orleans Parish Coroner
Certificates, food and photos
To register, email Anne Zoller Kiefer at akiefer@orleansda.com
