The 2018 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference will be held July 23-26, 2018, at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, California. The conference is authorized by law “for the purpose of considering the business of the courts and advising means of improving the administration of justice within the circuit.” 28 U.S.C. § 333.
The conference provides an exceptional educational program and facilitates circuit governance through approximately 60 business meetings. Conferees include judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. district courts and U.S. bankruptcy courts of the circuit, along with lawyers practicing in these courts, court staff and special guests. For space and security reasons, attendance is by invitation.
The theme of the conference is “From Blockchain to Free Speech: At the Intersection of Independence and Leadership.” The program includes segments focusing on the technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and how untraceable transactions made with these systems allow criminals to buy and sell illegal drugs, weapons and other illicit materials on the “dark web.” Other sessions consider threats to free speech, the legal rights of athletes and entertainers, the legality of information “leaks,” and the causes and responses to the opioid crisis across the United States.
The opening session of the conference will include welcoming remarks from Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Sidney R. Thomas; presentations of professional awards; recognition of the student winners of the 2018 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest; a salute to the outgoing director of the Federal Judicial Center; and memorial tributes to distinguished jurists.
Retiring Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the Supreme Court of the United States will attend the conference and participate in the “Conversation with the Justice” segment that traditionally closes the program.
Posts
