Newark, N.J.: Inspiration for "American Violet" introduces film at screening to mark release of groundbreaking ACLU report

March 22 2010 17:00 - March 22 2010 19:00

Regina Kelly, whose story inspired the 2008 movie "American Violet," could have taken the easy way out. If she had pled guilty to the false accusation that she was a drug dealer - disregarding her lack of a prior drug record and the police's lack of evidence - the Texas mother of two could have left jail and gone home to her children. But she would have remained a felon forever. She obeyed her conscience, refusing to lie, and it wound up being the right decision.

Free Rutgers-Newark screening and criminal justice discussion:

Regina Kelly's arrest was based on uncorroborated stories from one confidential informant. Experts will discuss the risks involved with using confidential informants, covered in a newly released, groundbreaking report commissioned by the ACLU-NJ.

Joining Regina Kelly on the panel:

Jay Rorty, Director of the ACLU National Drug Law Reform Project

Dr. Delores Jones-Brown, Professor and Director of The Center on Race, Crime and Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and co-author of the ACLU-NJ CI report

Dr. Jon Shane, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and co-author of the ACLU-NJ CI report

Yael Bromberg, Rutgers School of Law Newark student (moderating)

At Rutgers School of Law-Newark's Baker Trial Room. Free, open to everyone, refreshments.