Legal Ethics and Civic Duty in Divided Times: Lessons from January 6 and Charlottesville
On November 17, Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy joins us to discuss his work as lead investigator for the January 6 Committee and for the city of Charlottesville following the White Supremacist rally that occurred there in 2017.
In his book Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal About Rising Threats to American Democracy, Heaphy explores commonalities between the attack on the Capitol and the White Supremacist rally — both were planned in the open, on social media sites; both were inspired in part by anger at institutions; and, in both cases, law enforcement was inadequately prepared for violence due to certain systemic failures.
We’ll discuss Heaphy's experiences as an investigative attorney, his suggestions for how to bridge political divides, and how each of us as a citizen can help protect our democratic society. Heaphy writes: "A disengaged citizenry is a more insidious threat to democracy, and ultimately more destructive, than a large crowd of angry rioters."
Heaphy argues that studying these facts and circumstances can help make political mayhem less likely. And he calls for all Americans to become involved in their communities - and to avoid responding in anger or apathy.
When people of good faith fail to participate, extreme perspectives are amplified and get outsized attention. We need to run toward, not away from, the problems facing this country, those revealed by these episodes of violence and many others. -- Timothy Heaphy, Harbingers
When: November 17, 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., followed by a reception and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.
Where: The UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, Room 282, 2 White Street, Concord, N.H.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register HERE by Nov. 15.
Timothy J. Heaphy, author of Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal about Rising Threats to American Democracy.
Timothy J. Heaphy
Timothy J. Heaphy was Chief Investigative Counsel of the House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He also oversaw the independent investigation into the August 12, 2017 riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is currently partner at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP and previously served as the Obama-appointed US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his family.
