A well-known law school professor along with two judges and the president of the State Bar of Michigan will be among the participants in a Detroit-area event at 1 p.m. Friday, May 6, focused on President Gerald Ford's pardon of President Richard Nixon in 1974.
During the event at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills, testimony will be offered as to whether President Ford was justified in his decision to pardon his predecessor. The Society of Active Retirees is presenting the Mock Trial as part of its Harry Cook Social Justice Series. The Oakland County Bar Foundation is among the event sponsors.
The event is a repeat of one held April 14 at the Macomb County Center for Performing Arts, sponsored by the Macomb County Bar Foundation.
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren will fill the role of Nixon while author and retired Wayne State University professor Jack Lessenberry will portray Ford.
Ford pardoned Nixon a month after Nixon resigned due to his role in the Watergate burglary and coverup.
Attorney Steve Steinhardt, an event organizer, said the expert witnesses and attorneys will offer testimony as to whether Ford was justified in pardoning his predecessor. The audience will serve as the jury.
Attorney Chris Nesi will serve as prosecutor while retired Wayne State University Law School Professor Robert Sedler will fill the role of defense attorney. Witnesses will include: Macomb County 37th District Court Judge John Chmura, State Bar of Michigan President Dana Warnez, and Mount Clemens attorney Joseph Kosmala.
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by visiting www.soarexplore.com.
