Department of State Visitors -
Rule of Law, Government Regulation and Enforcement

Rule of Law/Civil Rights
Rochester has many resources for the study of rule of law and the impact on American society. Meetings can be arranged with attorneys, the judiciary, and community members for discussion of basic principles such as the presumption of innocence, the right to legal counsel, civil rights guaranteed in the Constitution, interpretation and evolution of these rights, and whether they are applied consistently to all citizens regardless of race, economic background and notoriety.

The death penalty was reinstated in New York State in recent years, yet few capital crimes have been prosecuted under this statute. As a result, the law and ramifications of it are still being studied by local capital prosecutors and defenders. Citizens groups, concerned about the uniform application of this law, are available to meet with visitors.

Views of our bail, community service, parole and probation systems can be discussed by the legal profession, government agencies, victims rights advocates and community activists. Visitors can sit in on arraignments, proceedings and trials at small claims, town, county, state and federal courts.

Areas such as juvenile prosecution and incarceration, appeals, child support, police review boards, grand juries and jury systems, bankruptcy and judicial conduct reviews can all be addressed.

Government Regulation and Enforcement
Consumer laws, health and safety laws that protect citizens, and copyright, patent and anti-trust laws that enable businesses to operate without fear of unfair competition are considered necessary by some and an unfair burden by others. Visitors can meet with government agencies which issue and enforce the laws and regulations, business leaders who have been aided or have been encumbered by them, and individuals who consider them necessary, as well as those who consider them an infringement upon their rights.

Rochester International Council
Morey Hall, Room 229, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA
phone (585) 275-8779 fax (585) 756-8086 e-mail: jw@rifc.org
Office Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday,
closed Thursday