(OKLAHOMA CITY – Dec. 8, 2006) Newly elected Oklahoma legislators will convene in Oklahoma City next week to attend Law School for Legislators, a program primarily designed to familiarize non-lawyer legislators with substantive topics in law and practical issues in legislation. The event, which is sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association, will be held Monday, Dec. 11, at the Oklahoma Bar Center from noon to 3:45 p.m.

Law School for Legislators is planned to follow the November 2006 election cycle as part of the orientation process for new Oklahoma legislators. This brief program will complement their orientation at the State Capitol. Session topics include sources of law, separation of powers, facts about the Oklahoma Constitution and the criminal justice system.

OBA President William R. Grimm said, “Most legislators are not lawyers, so this program is great way for new senators and representatives to learn more about Oklahoma’s legal system. It will help prepare them for the task that lies ahead of them – representing the people of Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma Supreme Court Vice-Chief Justice James R. Winchester will speak to participants about the power of veto and the power of precedent while Court of Appeals Judge Jane Wiseman will discuss sources of law.

Lt. Gov.-Elect Jari Askins, will brief new legislators on what they need to know about the criminal justice system, and Ray L. Vaughn Jr., District 3 county commissioner-elect, will tell stories about things he learned during his 16 years in the Legislature.

Other speakers will be OBA Executive Director John Morris Williams, who will share interesting facts about the Oklahoma Constitution, and Stephen Beam, OBA president-elect, will welcome participants.

Law School for Legislators is part of the OBA's comprehensive statewide Law-related Education (LRE) Program that is committed to emphasizing the concepts of good citizenship. Other LRE programs include in-service workshops, peer mediation programs, lesson plans, video courses, teacher receptions and anti-drug programs. LRE services for educators are free. For more information, contact OBA/LRE Coordinator Jane McConnell at (405) 416-7024 or e-mail janem@okbar.org.