The MBA House of Delegates (HOD) made its way to Old Sturbridge Village in south-central Massachusetts Nov. 15 for a special ribbon cutting ceremony and its November meeting. MBA President Mark D Mason and Old Sturbridge Village Board of Trustees Vice Chair Michael Brockelman led a ceremony culminating a partnership in refurbishing the village's authentic 1796 law office exhibit.
The exhibit and other programming supports the MBA's heightened priority of "educating for democracy." Such activity aims to raise awareness of the crucial role of the legal system in society, while perhaps encouraging young people to pursue a career in law or become more active adult citizens in our democratic society.
Old Sturbridge Village representatives joined the MBA delegation at the brief ceremony and then MBA delegates assembled in the village's meeting house to conduct business. Their two-hour November meeting featured a full agenda. Highlights included delegates' support of filing legislation clarifying the spousal testimonial privilege in criminal matters; supporting the Plain English Jury Instructions Project in civil cases; and supporting Senate Bill No. 340, which would provide the framework for civic education in Massachusetts. Look for further details in the January issue of Lawyers Journal.