CPU > Events > 2004-2005 > The Case for Abu-Jamal

CPU Events

The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal
A Lecture and Discussion with Rachel Wolkenstein, Former Lead Counsel

Tuesday, 12/7 at 8 pm
Satow Room, Lerner Hall

In 1982, a Philadelphia court sentenced Mumia Abu-Jamal to death for the 1981 murder of a Philadelphia police officer. Despite repeated appeals to the Pennsylvania and United States Supreme Courts, Mr. Abu-Jamal, a onetime radio reporter and former Black Panther, remains on death row. His case has fueled a passionate public debate about the moral and legal implications of racism and capital punishment. Ms. Wolkestein will speak about her experience with these and other issues as a lead counsel to Mr. Abu-Jamal.

Ms. Wolkenstein graduated cum laude from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970, and obtained her JD degree from SUNY/Buffalo Law School in 1973. While in law school, she interned with the James Madison Institute of Constitutional Law and worked on Roe v. Wade, the case which established the constitutional right for women to obtain abortions. Upon graduation, she practiced criminal law under Harold Fahringher and Gerald Lefcourt until beginning her own practice in 1980 concentrating on criminal law and litigation in civil rights and civil liberties. As staff counsel for the Partisan Defense Committee, Wolkenstein has assisted in its work publicizing and protesting the cases of those imprisoned for their political beliefs and activities. These have included striking workers victimized for defense of their picket lines; former Black Panther Party members including Geronimo ji jaga (Pratt); MOVE members, and those targeted in the so-called war against terror such as Palestinian activist Farouk Abdel-Muhti and anarchist youth Sherman Austin.

Ms. Wolkenstein will speak for approximately 30 minutes about her experience as lead counsel, and will then lead an open discussion with audience members.