Justice Week 2026

The Criminal Justice program in the Department of Government and Sociology is hosting the annual Justice Week April 6 - 13. There are a variety of events for the Georgia College & State University and Milledgeville community. All events are free and open to the public. Please email Dr. Alesa Liles for more information. 

• Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. "ICE & Us: Understanding the Local Impact" in Magnolia Ballroom

  • Join us for a moderated discussion examining how Immigration and Customs Enforcement impacts local police departments, law enforcement practices and community trust. This forum will bring together local and state law enforcement representatives to discuss jurisdictional challenges, cooperation between agencies, public safety concerns and the real-world impacts on communities. Our goal is to create an informed, respectful space for dialogue, transparency and community engagement.

     

• Tuesday, April 7,  3 p.m. - 5 p.m. "Law School Connections" in Magnolia Ballroom 

  • Join us in Magnolia Ballroom for an interactive, fast-paced networking event where you’ll meet representatives from various law schools and gain insider insights into their programs, application expectations and unique offerings. Other guests include current attorneys in various fields around the state. Participants will rotate through a series of brief conversations, allowing you to ask questions, compare schools and discover which programs align best with your goals - all in one afternoon. Whether you’re set on pursuing law or just exploring your options, this event will help you take the next step toward your future in the legal field. Dress Code is Business Casual. All are welcome.

     

• Thursday, April 9, 1-2:30 p.m. "Behind the Walls: Understanding the Reality of American prisons" in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room

  • After viewing a short clip of the new documentary "The Alabama Solution," a panel of invited guests will engage with the audience to discuss the state of incarceration in Georgia. Speakers include those with personal experience in the criminal justice system and others who have worked in the prison system, sharing diverse perspectives about the reality of American prisons. All are welcome to attend.

     

• Thursday, April 9, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. "Baggage & Barriers of Justice Involvement" Virtual

  • Students in the Master of Criminal Justice program will lead a conversation on the collateral consequences so many people face due to involvement with the legal system. Forty percent of Georgians have a criminal record, making it harder for them to find work, housing or contribute to their or loved one needs. Compounding these barriers to reentry is the baggage of trauma and life experiences along the way. Joining the conversation to share her lived experience is Dena Dickerson, Chief Operating Officer at the Offender Alumni Association. Join here: Justice Week 2026: "Baggage and Barriers." 

     

• Friday, April 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. "2nd Chance Re-entry Simulation & Dialogue" in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room

  • April is National Second Chance Month to raise awareness about the obstacles millions of American's face when they have a criminal record. As many as one in three Americans have a criminal record leading to barriers in housing, employment, education and more. This re-entry simulation, developed by the Department of Justice, simulates what it is like to be released from prison. You will experience the opportunities and obstacles faced by the formerly incarcerated as you try to reintegrate into society. After the simulation, we will gather for snacks and an open dialogue with individuals from the Offender Alumni Association. Please register here: Re-entry Simulation – Fill out form.

     

• Monday, April 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. "Mission: AI - Inside the Real Time Crime Center" 
  • Come on out to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office for an in‑depth look at how law enforcement integrates advanced technology and artificial intelligence into daily operations. The program includes a guided tour of the Real Time Crime Center, where attendees will observe the systems and tools used to support public safety in real time. Lunch will be provided. Advanced registration is required: Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Event Registration – Fill out form.