A point of pride for all Americans is our justice system. Although most of us recognize that it is not perfect, our courts and legal system generally protect our citizens and provide a framework of justice often not afforded to other societies around the world.

On Saturday, May 12, Seth Miller, Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Florida, will focus on times when our system has proved imperfect. He will talk about the Innocence Project’s efforts to “Correct Injustices and Restore Lives Lost to Wrongful Convictions.”

Miller will discuss the causes of wrongful conviction, potential remedies to prevent future wrongful convictions and the work of the Innocence Project of Florida (IPF). IPF is the first project in the US to have a full-time social worker on staff to help the exonerees transition back into society. On average, the exonerees spend two decades wrongfully imprisoned.

Miller will be joined by Derrick Williams who was exonerated on April 4, 2011 after serving 18 years in prison for a Manatee County rape. He has since married his longtime fiancé and is working full-time in Bradenton.                                      

Miller joined the Innocent Project of Florida in 2006. A magna cum laude graduate of FSU’s College of Law, he had been a student intern with IPF in 2003. He also teaches Post-conviction Remedies as an adjunct  professor at the FSU College of Law.

Reservations are required.

Read instructions below carefully.

To make a reservation, e-mail reserve@sarasotadems.com and indicate the name of your guests and your menu choices, or leave that information on the voice mail at 379-9233.

Menu choices for this month are: Florida Citrus Chicken with rosemary roasted potatoes OR Mediterranean Corvina Salad with kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomatoes & cucumbers OR Vegetarian Pasta Primavera. Dessert is Key Lime Pie.

The luncheon is held at Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd, Sarasota, FL. Travel 2 miles east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road. Turn left at the light at Gary Player Blvd. Bent Tree will be on your right. Proceed past the guard shack, through one stop sign, and the club house will be on your left.

Social Hour starts at 11 with the program beginning promptly at noon.

Cost for Members is $23 each. Cost for non-members or walk-in’s is $25 each. You may pay by cash or with a check made payable to the DCS. Please fill out your checks ahead of time.

IMPORTANT – Reservations are required and must be made by midnight, May 9th. Cancellations must also be made by midnight, May 9th or we will bill you for your meal.