The Macomb County Bar Foundation will present an historical mock trial of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.
A similar event was held earlier this month at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
The two-hour Macomb event, set on the 53rd anniversary of the tragedy, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Doors at the center, located at 44575 Garfield Rd., will open at 12:30 p.m.
Stephen Steinhardt, a board member from the Macomb County Bar Foundation, said the incident more than five decades ago still resonates today.
“Even after fifty three years, Kennedy’s death continues to puzzle onlookers,” he said. “Did Oswald act alone? Was there a conspiracy? Our purpose is to present the facts and arguments for both sides. “
Retired Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Peter J. Maceroni will be the presiding judge.
“JFK meant much to me and my generation,” Maceroni said. “He inspired us to public service and to make our country and the world a better place. I don’t believe the nation ever fully got over this tragic event.”
Macomb County Probate Court Judge Carl Marlinga will argue through his expert witness, played by 37th District Court Chief Judge John Chmura, that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone gunman.
“The loss was a heartbreaking and watershed event,” Marlinga said. “Years later, we still ponder whether one lone deranged assassin could be solely responsible for this history changing tragedy.”
Steven Kaplan, former prosecutor and defense attorney who now serves as the West Bloomfield township supervisor- elect, will argue through his expert witness, played by 39th District Court Judge Joseph Boedeker, that “there had to be a fourth bullet. Therefore, there had to be a second gunman and a conspiracy.”
Other participants in the event include Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren and attorneys Laura Polizzi and Ryan Zemke.
The audience will serve as the grand jury and vote at the conclusion of the case.
Additional details can be obtained from the Macomb County Bar Foundation at 586.468.2940.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
