Breakfast with the Bar: Criminal Law Recap

On Thursday, October 18 the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Law Student Division hosted seven attorneys from a diverse array of criminal law backgrounds for a Breakfast with the Bar. Attorneys in attendance included The Hon. Marshelle Broadwell, Marion County Superior Court; Ryan Mears, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office; Courtney Benson-Kooy, Marion County Public Defender’s Office; Jessica Cicchini, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office; Ranissa Dycus, American Senior Communities; Andrew Fogle, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office; and Yoni Moise, Marion County Public Defender’s Office.

We were privileged to have practicing attorneys with experience representing defendants, the state, and the judiciary in criminal disputes. Law student attendees gained knowledge of how all roles in the criminal justice system work together to adjudicate criminal disputes. Additionally, the attorneys demonstrated how each of them work together to strike a balance between rehabilitating defendants and providing retribution for victims at sentencing. This gave students an opportunity to discern which vocation within the criminal justice system would suit them best.

The attorneys in attendance also discussed the pros and cons of their experience for law student attendees who are unsure of whether they want to pursue a career in criminal law. The guest attorneys were able to engage students who may not be interested in criminal law through a discussion of the structure and civic role of the offices of the prosecutor and the public defender.

This event was a great opportunity for students to network and learn about multiple aspects of Indianapolis' criminal justice system. 

We hope you'll join us on November 2 to learn more about Tax Law!