Pernell’s discussion will include issues related to the influence of race on our criminal system and its role in the current racial crisis of over-representation in our prisons. But notably, he will address the future and importance of a key tool in the struggle for racial equity – Federal Habeas Corpus as a post-conviction remedy.
Themed “Achieving Social Justice: Multidisciplinary Solutions for 21st Century Challenges” the conference will provide a forum for school districts, governmental agencies, community organizations, and families across Florida to address educational issues as well as a myriad of other factors and influences that will impact an individual’s life choices, chances, and opportunities for success. Scheduled to address the Education and Social Justice Conference include Actor, Producer, and Philanthropist Isaiah Washington and 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Speaker Cynthia M.A. Butler.
Pernell will also serve as Moderator for the Sentencing Disparities, Prejudice, and Bias panel discussion. Panelists will include: The Honorable James E. C. Perry (FL Supreme Court, Retired); the Honorable Nikki Ann Clark (FL 1st District Court of Appeals, Retired); and the Honorable Belvin Perry (FL Ninth Circuit, Retired). The panel of retired judges will examine, among others, the issues brought to the forefront by a recent study of over 82 million criminal case records, by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: the “point” system, Florida’s Sentencing Guidelines of 1983 and Criminal Punishment Code of 1998, judicial oversight, blaming law enforcement and prosecutors, the role of lawyers and negotiated sentences, and what the numbers show. This session will provide participants with an interactive opportunity to examine the myriad of factors that influence criminal sentences, including, but not limited to the judiciary as a fair and impartial arbiter of the law, the many roles of lawyers in the criminal process, the public perception of crime and sentencing, and the law itself.