Media Advisory: Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series

October 3, 2007

Contact: Barbara Ferrara, 217/206-7094, bferr1@uis.edu

What: The 2007 Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series presented by the University of Illinois at Springfield – this year focusing on "Lincoln and the Law"

When & Where: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 4, in Brookens Auditorium on the UIS campus     

Details: Speakers will be Dr. Mark E. Steiner ("'The Sober Judgement of Courts': Lincoln, Lawyers, and the Rule of Law"; and Dr. Brian R. Dirck ("Abraham Lincoln: The Lawyer in the White House")

Cullom Davis, UIS professor emeritus of history, will moderate.

Background: While over half of America's presidents have been lawyers, Abraham Lincoln was by far the most experienced trial lawyer to ever occupy the White House. His training as a lawyer affected his approach to the presidency in many ways -- leading him to foster a culture of respect for legalsolutionsand procedure and allowing him to understand what was possible under the American legal and constitutional system and to shape his policies accordingly.

The Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series brings nationally renowned scholars to Springfield to present lectures on public policy issues that are of contemporary interest and that also engaged Abraham Lincoln and the citizens of his era. Speakers focus on the topic's modern form as well as how Lincoln addressed it.

The University of Illinois at Springfield, one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university that offers 42 degree programs: 21 bachelor’s, 20 master’s, and the Doctorate of Public Administration. UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings, and a commitment to teaching.