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Vegas attorney takes historical look at Miranda on 50th anniversary

Attorney Dan Waite, managing partner of the Las Vegas office of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, will present a historical perspective of the landmark Miranda decision next week at the State Bar of Arizona Convention.

The Miranda v. Arizona ruling was handed down 50 years ago on June 13, 1966 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Lawyers John P. Frank and John J. Flynn of the law firm Lewis and Roca (now Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie) and others represented Ernesto Miranda on a pro bono basis.

The Miranda decision mandates that a criminal defendant be informed of their constitutional rights to an attorney and against self-incrimination, and continues to influence cases nationwide. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is commemorating the ruling by sponsoring a legal seminar exploring the case and its ramifications over the past 50 years.

Waite is chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. “Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is sponsoring the seminar to discuss the case history, its influence across the United States, its application in today’s political climate, the unintended consequences of the decision and what the future holds for Miranda,” said Waite.

“You Have the Right to Remain Silent: Exploring the 50th Anniversary of Miranda v. Arizona” will be held June 15 at the State Bar of Arizona Convention.

Additional speakers include noted legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. Chemerinsky is an expert in Constitutional law, federal practice, civil rights and civil liberties and appellate litigation. He is author of eight books and numerous articles on legal issues, and has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

A panel discussion on the Real World Application of Miranda will be led by Randy Papetti of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie.

The pro bono representation of Miranda has had a lasting effect on the firm. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie honors that legacy with the John P. Frank Pro Bono Awards, presented to its attorneys who contribute a minimum of 50 pro bono hours annually.

Inscribed on the award are the following words: “John P. Frank’s lifelong quest to improve the law and secure equal justice for all regardless of gender, race, creed or class exemplifies the standard of excellence and professional responsibility all lawyers should strive to attain.”

The State Bar of Arizona Convention will be held June 15-17 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.

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