Are black defendants treated differently than white defendants? In a continuing effort to facilitate open communication, the City of Springboro and the Springboro Police Department will sponsor a third panel discussion on race. This forum will address race and bias in our court system at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4 at the Springboro Performing Arts Center.
Five distinguished members of our legal community will participate on the panel to discuss race and bias in the administration of Criminal Justice in our court system. David Fornshell, Warren County Prosecutor, will be joined by the Honorable Jeff Kirby, Warren County Common Pleas Family Court Judge; the Honorable Gerald Parker, Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge; Mr. Kent DePoorter, Springboro Mayor’s Court Magistrate and practicing attorney; and Mr. Mark Webb, Springboro City Prosecutor and practicing defense attorney with Smith, Meier & Webb, LPA, in Springboro.
“This event promises to be educational and informative on the truths behind a criminal justice system that many describe as bias and racist,” said Springboro Police Chief Jeff Kruithoff, who will serve as the moderator. “All residents interested in understanding our court system are welcomed to attend this free event.”
In addition to limited seating at the Performing Arts Center, the program will be streamed live on the City of Springboro Facebook page and taped for viewing at a later date. For more information call 937-748-0611.
The first panel discussion was held in February with four local Black men sharing their experiences. In April, “Law Enforcement from a Black perspective” was presented by five local officers. Both programs are available on the City’s YouTube channel.