Justice 101
Saturday, November 07, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026
Justice 101 is a discussion series that dives into some of the most pressing issues in criminal justice today, through a historical lens and with a focus on civic education. Each program includes interactive elements, expert voices, and opportunities for community dialogue.
Powered by the Eastern State Center for Justice Education. Guests can join live or watch the programs back anytime on our website or YouTube channel. Visit EasternState.org/Justice101 to learn more.
Topics for the 2026-2027 series of Justice 101 include:
- November 7 – From Punishment to Penance: The British Roots of American Justice
- December 9 – Faith, Sanctuary, and Community
- December 10 – Examining the Justice System and the Unfinished work of the Founding and the Prisoners’ Rights Revolution
Past events in the 2026-2027 series of Justice 101 included:
- September 8 – Redefining Rehabilitation — From Norway to Pennsylvania
- September 15 – Voices Beyond the Walls — Justice, Reentry, and Civic Power
- September 17 – The History of American Incarceration
- October 13 – Religious Freedom and the Justice System
Be sure to sign up for our Justice 101 newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.
This program is part of A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future, a yearlong slate of free, inclusive programs exploring the evolving meanings of liberty and justice in America. A Time for Liberty is made possible with support from civic and cultural partners including the City of Philadelphia, America250PA, Campus250, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the Philadelphia City Fund’s 2026 Milestone Grant Fund, supported by PECO, the National Trust Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program series, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Upcoming Events in this Series
Justice 101: From Punishment to Penance: The British Roots of American Justice
Saturday, November 07, 2026
3:30pm - 4:15pm
Examine the guiding principles of the United States justice system, their evolution from British colonial roots to America’s first penitentiary, and their impact on the complex interplay between civil liberties, criminal justice and public safety today. Led by a panel of British-American Project Fellows with expertise in public safety and corrections.
Speakers include Rob Beckley QPM (High Sheriff of Somerset, 2024-2025) and Jon Murad (Commissioner, Vermont Department of Corrections).
Justice 101: Faith, Sanctuary, and Community
Wednesday, December 09, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Free event. Advance registration required. In the spirit of Hanukkah, join us for an evening of conversation, music, camaraderie, and to light the menorah. Together, we’ll celebrate the storied history and enduring spirit of the Jewish community at Eastern State Penitentiary—both inside the walls and as a bridge to outside life across the city of Philadelphia. We’ll also honor the spiritual bonds that bring incarcerated people together across religious traditions, and reflect on the continued importance of faith in prisons today.
Speakers and performers include Rabbi David Ackerman (Congregation Beth Am Israel) and Avi Wisnia (singer/songwriter).
Justice 101: From Founding Ideals to the Prisoners’ Rights Revolution
Thursday, December 10, 2026
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us as we explore how the prisoners’ rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s challenged harsh prison conditions through landmark court cases, grassroots organizing, and events such as the Attica Prison Uprising. Together, we'll examine the lasting impact of these efforts and the ongoing tension between the treatment of incarcerated people and America’s founding ideals of liberty and human rights.
Speakers include Margo Schlanger, JD (Wade H. and Dores M. McCree Collegiate Professor of Law, University of Michigan).
Justice 101: From Punishment to Penance: The British Roots of American Justice
Saturday, November 07, 2026
Examine the guiding principles of the United States justice system, their evolution from British colonial roots to America’s first penitentiary, and their impact on the complex interplay between civil liberties, criminal justice and public safety today. Led by a panel of British-American Project Fellows with expertise in public safety and corrections.
Speakers include Rob Beckley QPM (High Sheriff of Somerset, 2024-2025) and Jon Murad (Commissioner, Vermont Department of Corrections).
Justice 101: Faith, Sanctuary, and Community
Wednesday, December 09, 2026
Free event. Advance registration required. In the spirit of Hanukkah, join us for an evening of conversation, music, camaraderie, and to light the menorah. Together, we’ll celebrate the storied history and enduring spirit of the Jewish community at Eastern State Penitentiary—both inside the walls and as a bridge to outside life across the city of Philadelphia. We’ll also honor the spiritual bonds that bring incarcerated people together across religious traditions, and reflect on the continued importance of faith in prisons today.
Speakers and performers include Rabbi David Ackerman (Congregation Beth Am Israel) and Avi Wisnia (singer/songwriter).
Justice 101: From Founding Ideals to the Prisoners’ Rights Revolution
Thursday, December 10, 2026
Join us as we explore how the prisoners’ rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s challenged harsh prison conditions through landmark court cases, grassroots organizing, and events such as the Attica Prison Uprising. Together, we'll examine the lasting impact of these efforts and the ongoing tension between the treatment of incarcerated people and America’s founding ideals of liberty and human rights.
Speakers include Margo Schlanger, JD (Wade H. and Dores M. McCree Collegiate Professor of Law, University of Michigan).
