In the Spotlight
The Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of New Jersey Serves as Keynote Speaker at 2019 Hobbs-Larson Lecture
On April 8, 2019, Seton Hall University School of Law hosted the 2019 Hobbs-Larson Lecture featuring Keynote Speaker Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the New Jersey Supreme Court. The Hobbs-Larson Lecture was named in honor of former Seton Hall Law School Dean Patrick E. Hobbs by Peter N. Larson ’74 and his wife, Lee and is dedicated to the spirit of civil discourse and diversity of opinion on matters of national importance.
Dean Kathleen M. Boozang introduced Chief Justice Rabner to an auditorium full of students, faculty, and administrators with notable attendees including Christopher Porrino ’92, former New Jersey Attorney General and Walter Timpone ’79, Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. “If your passion seeks a cause, there is much to be done,” Dean Boozang said of Chief Justice Rabner’s work with criminal justice reform.
Chief Justice Rabner noted the importance of being “a catalyst for change” as he guided an in-depth discussion into New Jersey’s criminal justice reform efforts. He stressed the success of the New Jersey’s Bail Reform Act in reducing time spent awaiting trial for those who pose no danger to the community and who in the past lacked the financial means to avoid incarceration. The Reform Act has also been successful in other goals, including speedy trials for defendants and incapacitation for those correctly deemed a threat to public safety.