Professor Stephanie Jirard from Shippensburg University will discuss the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation as a legal document and its impact on the enslaved people of the United States of America. Those who have heard Professor Jirard speak before appreciate the energy and knowledge that she brings when discussing matters of historical importance. As a lawyer who has federal prosecutorial and criminal defense experience, she also brings great knowledge and understanding of the Constitutional significance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Following Professor Jirard’s presentation, the Court will conduct a ceremony to recognize the contributions of the late Colonel Billy Washington, who served as a court crier in Franklin County for over 23 years. In the old court facilities there was no place for court criers or tip staves to store their personal items or to have a place to retire between court proceedings. As part of the construction of the New Judicial Center, a room was designed and constructed for court criers and tip staves to use on the days they work for the court. At the suggestion of District Court Administrator Mark Singer and with the unanimous support from the Board of Judges of the 39th, Judicial District, the court is dedicating the room to the memory of Billy Washington. Members of Colonel Washington’s family will be traveling to the courthouse and will attend a ceremony on June 16, 2023 immediately following Professor Jirard ‘s comments, at which time the court will present its public proclamation honoring Colonel Washington and commemorating the room in his name, and recognizing the invaluable work of all court criers past and present.