People's Law School -- in New York: Jamestown Community College

Jamestown Community College is conducting a People's Law School this year, initiated by retired State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Gerace Sr. The article I read in October 10th issue of Dundalk, New York' "The Observer."

The article indicates that the classes began October 11th, and will be taught by members of the legal community, and they will primarily discuss true stories to describe how the law works. Like the program I described in my September 23rd piece, this program will also include Elder Law and Estate Planning as a core subject area. (The focus is logical to me because it is a subject area that generally affects all members of the public in one way or the other.)

However, that is where the similarity ends. The second week of the program here will focus on bankruptcy, debt collection, and foreclosure avoidance. The third week is entitled "Entreprenuership 101." The fourth week will address tax issues, entitled "Challenging Tax Assessments on Residential and Business Property." The fourth week will concentrate on vetaran's issues, such as reimployment rights. The final week will focus on matrimonial and family law issues.

I am generally impressed by way in which the People's Law school in New York is engaging with the public. For one, there is an active facebook page. The facebook page is one where readers will be regularly updated as to what the People's Law School is teaching and other public relations coups of the program, including features on radio programs and educational-oriented discussions on the same.

To me, this serves an important role of educating the public about the law and providing mechanisms whereby members of the public can feel somewhat connected to the program.