PHOENIX – The landmark Miranda decision was handed down June 13, 1966 by the U.S. Supreme Court, and Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP is commemorating the ruling by sponsoring a legal seminar exploring the case and its ramifications over the past 50 years.

Lawyers John P. Frank and John J. Flynn of the Phoenix law firm Lewis and Roca (now Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie) and others represented Ernesto Miranda on a pro bono basis.

Miranda v. ArizonaOral Arguments

To hear the oral arguments from February 28, 1966 please click here.

The Miranda decision mandates that a criminal defendant be informed of their constitutional rights to an attorney and against self-incrimination, and continues to influence cases nationwide.

"You Have the Right to Remain Silent: Exploring the 50th Anniversary of Miranda v. Arizona" will be held June 15 at the State Bar of Arizona Convention. Sam Chang of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is co-chair of the Convention Committee.

"The Convention Committee has worked to deliver engaging, relevant and practical seminars for all members of the State Bar," said Chang. "We're practicing law in the 21st Century, yet the Miranda decision endures as a topic that engenders much discussion in the legal community.

"On this 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, we're going to have a fascinating and engaging roster of speakers for a morning of in-depth discussion of the Miranda case and its outcomes."

"Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is sponsoring the seminar to discuss the case history, its influence across the United States, its application in today's political climate, the unintended consequences of the decision and what the future holds for Miranda," added Dan Waite, chair of the firm's pro bono committee.

Keynote speaker is noted legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. Chemerinsky is an expert in Constitutional law, federal practice, civil rights and civil liberties and appellate litigation. He is author of eight books and numerous articles on legal issues, and has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

A panel discussion on the Real World Application of Miranda will be led by Randy Papetti of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie.

The pro bono representation of Miranda has had a lasting effect on the firm. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie honors that legacy with the John P. Frank Pro Bono Awards, presented to its attorneys who contribute a minimum of 50 pro bono hours annually.

Inscribed on the award are the following words: "John P. Frank's lifelong quest to improve the law and secure equal justice for all regardless of gender, race, creed or class exemplifies the standard of excellence and professional responsibility all lawyers should strive to attain."

The State Bar of Arizona Convention will be held June 15-17 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.

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