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Judge Judy Smart, savvy and opinionated, the irrepressible Judge Judy Sheindlin holds court as presiding judge over real-life cases on the syndicated reality courtroom show, "Judge Judy." Having made a name for herself as a tough but fair judge in New York's Family Court, Judge Judy retired from the bench in 1996 and segued to television to host the successful series. Judge Judy brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the only half-hour series currently on the air that takes viewers inside an actual courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed.
Judge Alex Former police officer, attorney and Florida Circuit Court Judge Alex E. Ferrer hosts "Judge Alex," the new court room strip from Twentieth Television that will make its launch in first-run national syndication on September 12, 2005. The first new court show in four years, the half-hour strip features Judge Alex, the only television judge with extensive police, legal and judicial experience, presiding over a wide array of cases, resolving complicated issues with his straight forward approach and cogent rulings. Most recently, Judge Alex served as the Associate Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which services Miami-Dade County, the largest trial court in the state and fourth largest in the United States. Born in Havana, Cuba, Judge Alex and his family escaped from Fidel Castro’s Communist regime to America when he was one year old. Growing up in Miami with a passionate interest in law enforcement, at 19 he joined the Coral Gables Police Department, making him one of the youngest officers in the state. While on the police force, he served as a patrolman, detective and in an undercover capacity. He was also trained to be on the department’s SWAT force. Intent on building a career in the legal profession, Judge Alex performed his duties as a police officer while attending both college and law school.
Judge Marilyn Milian Judge Milian is probably the most popular judge on television. In her courtroom justice is fast, fair, and often fierce. She provides a compassionate voice for victims while verbally beating the bad guys. With humor, compassion, and a temper that can make grown men tremble, there is no doubt that Judge Milian owns the courtroom. I've been to two tapings and can tell you the show is run like a regular courtroom. You hear Curt Chaplin speaking as each litigant enters. Douglas swears them in and then asks the audience to rise and Judge Milian enters. The cases begin, and if it weren't for the cameras you would think you were in a regular courtroom. It's case after case until lunch break. Before going to lunch, the judge comes out and greets the audience, answering questions and posing for photos with fans. This is repeated after the last case of the day.
Frank W. Abagnale Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. For over thirty years he has lectured to and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world. His rare blend of knowledge and expertise began as a teenager. More than 40 years ago he was known as one of the world's most famous confidence men as depicted in his best-selling book, "Catch Me If You Can." He cashed $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in every state and 26 foreign countries over a five-year period. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician. Apprehended by the French police when he was 21 years old, he served time in the French, Swedish and U. S. prison systems. After five years he was released on the condition that he would help the federal government, without remuneration, by teaching and assisting federal law enforcement agencies. Mr. Abagnale has been associated with the FBI for over 30 years. He lectures extensively at the FBI Academy and the field offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs. In 1998, he was selected as a distinguished member of "Pinnacle 400" by CNN Financial News. In 2006 Mr. Abagnale was selected as one of the 15 Differentiators in Retail by the editorial board of RIS News. Mr. Abagnale's most recent book, "Stealing Your Life", will be released in April 2007 by Random House. He has also written "The Art of the Steal", "The Real U Guide to Identity Theft" and "The Bankers' Document Verification and Currency Transaction Manual". In 2004 Mr. Abagnale was selected as the national spokesperson for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). Mr. Abagnale was the subject of a major motion picture entitled "Catch Me If You Can", directed by Steven Spielberg with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.
Judge Glenda Hatchett Judge Hatchett is a nationally-syndicated television program produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. It stars the Honorable Glenda Hatchett and is modeled after "judge shows" such as The People's Court and Judge Judy. In addition to dealing with traditional small-claims lawsuits (with a plaintiff, a defendant, and monetary awards sought), she also handles DNA Paternity Tests and Out of Control Teens. Judge Hatchett is criticised by some for being overly harsh to younger defendants, especially minors in her "Out of Control Teens" situations. Her fans, however, interpret her seemingly harsh demeanor as "tough love" and proof that she cares about them and wants to set them on the right path. Judge hatchett's program is featured on the news station Fox 5 at 3 P.M. through 4 P.M., after the hour-long Judge Alex and preceded by another hour-long Fox 5 News At 5 program. It features real cases in a variety of different kinds of civil cases, from unprotected sex and pregnancy at a young age to fights at an older age, as well as rich cases of harassment and classic civil lawsuits.
Dr. Henry Lee Dr. Henry C. Lee is one of the world’s foremost forensic scientists. Dr. Lee’s work has made him a landmark in modern-day criminal investigations. He has been a prominent player in many of the most challenging cases of the last 45 years. Dr. Lee has worked with law enforcement agencies in helping to solve more than 6000 cases. In recent years, his travels have taken him to England, Bosnia, China, Brunei, Bermuda, Middle East, South America and other locations around the world. Dr. Lee’s testimony figured prominently in the O. J. Simpson trial, and in convictions of the “Woodchipper” murderer as well as hundreds of other murder cases. Dr. Lee has assisted local and state police in their investigations of other famous crimes, such as the murder of Jon Benet Ramsey in Boulder, Colorado, the 1993 suicide of White House Counsel Vincent Foster, the murder of Chandra Levy, the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy assassination. Dr. Lee is currently the Chief Emeritus for the Scientific Services and was the Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Connecticut from 1998 to 2000 and served as Chief Criminalist for the State of Connecticut from 1979 to 2000. Dr. Lee was the driving force in establishing a modern State Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Connecticut. In 1975, Dr. Lee joined the University of New Haven, where he created the school’s Forensic Sciences program. He has also taught as a professor at more than a dozen universities, law schools, and medical schools. Though challenged with the demands on his time, Dr. Lee still lectures throughout the country and world to police, Universities and civic organizations. Dr. Lee has authored hundreds of articles in professional journals and has co-authored more than 30 books, covering the areas, such as; DNA, Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation and Crime scene reconstruction. His recent books; Famous Crimes Revisited, Cracking Cases and Blood Evidence have been well received by the public. Dr. Lee has been the recipient of numerous medals and awards, including the 1996 Medal of Justice from the Justice Foundation, and the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Science and Engineer Association. He has also been the recipient of the Distinguished Criminalist Award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; the J. Donero Award from the International Association of Identification, and in 1992 was elected a distinguished Fellow of the AAFS. Dr. Lee was born in China and grew up in Taiwan. Dr. Lee first worked for the Taipei Police Department, attaining the rank of Captain. With his wife, Margaret, Dr. Lee came to the United States in 1965, and he earned his B.S. in Forensic Science from John Jay College in 1972. Dr. Lee continued his studies in biochemistry at NYU where he earned his Masters Degree in 1974 and Ph.D. in 1975. He has also received special training from the FBI Academy, ATF, RCMP, and other organizations. He is a recipient of seven honorary Doctorate Degrees from Universities in recognition of his contributions to Law and Science.
Charles A. Moose Montgomery County Police Chief who gained celebrity status after leading one of the nation's most intense criminal investigations, culminating in the capture of the Beltway Snipers. The alleged perpretators terrorized the country after murdering ten people in Maryland and Virginia in October of 2002. Recipient of a Ph.D in urban studies, Charles Moose was police chief of Portland, Oregon before becoming police chief of Montgomery County, Maryland.
Eric O'Neill Eric ONeill as portrayed by Ryan Phillippe is the subject of Universal's new feature film, Breach. In February 2001, ONeill helped capture the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Phillip Hanssen. In the two months preceding Hanssen’s arrest, ONeill was selected to work with the spy within the newly minted information assurance division, created to protect all classified FBI intelligence. ONeill was charged with gaining Hanssen’s trust and then using that relationship to slowly draw the traitor out of deep cover. Engaged in a lethal game of spy-versus-spy, ONeill found himself fighting to bring down Hanssen before the treacherous double agent could destroy him, his family and the nation they are both sworn to serve. . ONeill served as a Special Consultant for Universal on Breach and provided support on all aspects of the film including assisting in writing the screenplay to preparation, prop selection, set design, character development, establishing the FBI culture, on-set consultation and post shooting publicity. ONeill has appeared on numerous television shows and radio programs, including ABC’s 20/20 and Nightline, Hardball with Chris Mathews, Fox News Power Player of the Week with Chris Wallace, CNN, CSPAN’s Washington Journal, NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, ABC’s World News Now, HBO’s First Look, Wealth TV, MTV and Access Hollywood. O’Neill has also been featured in national newspapers, journals, internet forums, vcasts and podcasts. O’Neill is an honors graduate of the Auburn University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School, also with honors. He currently practices Law in Washington DC and is available as a consultant for film and television projects and for speaking engagements.
Steve Palermo From the time he began his career as an American League Umpire in 1977, Steve Palermo was widely regarded as one of the best umpires in the game. In 15 years on the field, he brought a boundless energy and enthusiasm to a game that he loved. His career highlights include two of the most famous games in N.Y. Yankees history. In 1978, he worked the Yankees one game playoff against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park to determine the Eastern Divisional winner. In fact, it was Palermo, serving as the third base umpire, who signaled "fair ball" when Bucky Dent hit the game winning home run. On July 4, 1978 he worked behind the plate for Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankees Stadium. In early July 1991, it seemed that Palermo's umpire career might have ended, but everyone knows it is difficult to win an argument with an umpire and Steve refuses to lose this one. On July 7, 1991, Steve and several friends were dining after a Texas Rangers game when they were alerted that two waitresses were being mugged in the parking lot. In an attempt to apprehend the assailants, Steve suffered a bullet wound to his spinal cord, resulting in instant paralysis to the lower extremities. Doctors told Steve and his wife, Debbie, that he would probably never walk again. Yet through rehabilitation and a lot of determination, Palermo is winning his argument...he is walking with the use of one small leg brace and a cane, and says he will return to the game he loves so much. On December 1, 1992, the Steve Palermo Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries (SPF/SCI) formally opened their doors. The foundation was formed to fund research for the discovery of a cure for paralysis while also providing hope and support to those with spinal cord injuries and their families...helping them get "One Step Closer to Home." On January 1, 1995, the SPF/SCI merged with the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation (KWNPF). When the KWNPF closed in September of 2003, Steve and his family looked for a way to continue the work that they had started. They found their answer by forming a partnership with the Kansas University Endowment Association. The Steve Palermo Endowment for Spinal Cord Injury Research was formed. The same drive and dedication that returned Palermo to his feet fuels the efforts of this endowment to aid in the discovery of a cure for paralysis. Since Steve’s injury, he has become highly regarded as a motivational speaker. He travels the country relaying his message of “Never Admit Defeat” to corporations and organizations nationwide. In 1994, Steve was named special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1996 – 1997, he provided feature reports and served as a color analyst for the New York Yankees cable network. In 2000, Steve was named Supervisor of Umpires, an additional role he now plays with Major League Baseball.
Judea Pearl Pearl received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technion, Israel, in 1960, a Master degree in Physics from Rutgers University, U.S.A, in 1965, and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, U.S.A, in 1965. He worked at RCA Research Laboratories on superconductive parametric and storage devices and at Electronic Memories, Inc., on advanced memory systems. He then joined UCLA in 1970, where he currently works. In 2002, his son Daniel Pearl was killed in Pakistan, leading Judea and the other members of the family and friends to create the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
Kemba Smith Remarkable story of triumph and determination. Smith who was sentenced in 1994 to more than two decades in federal prison on a first-time drug conviction is a single mother, advocate, public speaker, law student and author. When a judge sentenced Smith to prison for alleged involvement in a crack cocaine ring, she was a young college student at Hampton University in Virginia. She fell in with the wrong crowd and became involved with a major figure in a $4 million drug ring. Enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, Smith ended the relationship. But she was sentenced to prison for being closely involved with the man. After serving 6 1/2 years, Smith regained her freedom after President Clinton granted her clemency in December of 2000. Her predicament forced the nation to focus on drug enforcement policies and mandatory sentencing for drug offenses. Smith has since graduated from Virginia Union University and attends law school at Howard University. She started the Kemba Smith Foundation that works to inspire and uplift young people as well as educate them about injustices within the criminal justice system. Smith has spoken at more than 30 colleges and universities. Having already received numerous honors and awards for her activism, she continues to speak on topics that she feels are important to the nation.
Dave Toma David Toma is a legend in his own time. For the last forty years he has been America's leading antidrug and antialcohol crusader, speaking to thousands of teenagers, parents, teachers, and school administrators each week. The inspiration for two television series -- "Baretta" and "Toma" -- he was a policeman for twenty-one years and is also a former Marine drill instructor. For sixteen of his years on the force he was a detective in the vice, gambling, and narcotics squad of one of North America's most troubled cities, Newark, New Jersey. His arrest record was unmatched--numbering in the thousands with an unheard-of 98 percent conviction record--all without ever firing his gun. He has lectured throughout the world, is the author of four books including Toma Tells It Straight--With Love, and Turning Your Life Around, and has hosted his own weekly discussion program on New York's WOR-TV and an excellent motivational speaker.
Loung Ung Author, First They Killed My Father: a Daughter of Cambodia Remember, Loung Ung will tell her story of how her family was forced out of the Cambodian city in a mass evacuation to the countryside. Three years later the Khmer Rouge had killed Loung's parents and two of her siblings and she was forced to train as a child soldier. In 1980, she and her older brother escaped by boat to Thailand, where they spent five months in a refugee camp and later relocated to the United States. Loung returned to Cambodia fifteen years after her escape for a memorial service for the victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide and was shocked and saddened to learn that twenty of her relatives had been killed. This realization compelled her to devote herself to justice and reconciliation in her homeland.
John Walsh A tireless advocate for victims’ rights and missing children, John Walsh has turned his passion for justice into the nation's number-one crime-fighting show, FOX’s America's Most Wanted. Then, from 2002 to February, 2004, NBC daytime aired The John Walsh Show; a new platform for Walsh to comment on current events and issues that are of concern to him. Walsh is no stranger to violent crime; in fact, his incredibly successful career as a host of a nationally televised program, and as an advocate for victims’ rights, was a career Walsh never anticipated. In the summer of 1981, Walsh was a partner in a hotel management company in Hollywood, Florida. He was living the American dream. He and his wife, Revé, had a beautiful six-year-old son, Adam, the joy of their lives. They never thought crime could touch them. But that joy was shattered on July 27th, 1981, when Adam was abducted and later found murdered. The Walshes have never received the closure that America's Most Wanted has brought the lives of so many crime victims. The prime suspect in Adam's murder, Ottis Toole, was never charged in the Adam Walsh case; he died in prison while serving life for other crimes, taking the truth to the grave with him. The story of the Walsh family's tragedy has been dramatized in the 1983 NBC television movie, Adam, and a 1986 sequel, Adam: His Song Continues. Following the airing of the broadcasts, a roll of missing children was featured, leading to the recovery of 65 youngsters. It wasn't long after Adam's death that the Walshes turned their grief into positive energy to help missing and exploited children. Battling bureaucratic resistance and legislative nightmares, John and Revé's work led to the passage of the Missing Children Act of 1982 and the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984. The latter Bill founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which maintains a toll-free hotline number (1-800-THE-LOST) to report a missing child or the sighting of one. In their son's memory, they also founded the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to legislative reform. Recently, the centers, originally located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Columbia, South Carolina, Orange County, California, and Rochester, New York, merged with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Walsh serves on the board of directors of the National Center. Back in 1984, Esquire Magazine voted John Walsh "one of the best of the new generation." Since then, Walsh's endless quest for justice has been trumpeted across the pages of newspapers and magazines around the nation including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine, where Walsh was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People for 1996. And CBS portraits named him one of the 100 Americans Who Changed History. Walsh’s life has also been chronicled on A & E’s Biography program as well as on MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends with Matt Lauer. Law Enforcement officials around the nation have also honored Walsh for his efforts. In 1988 he was named the U.S. Marshals Man Of The Year, and two years later received the same honor from the FBI " the Bureau's highest civilian award. The U.S. Marshals also made Walsh an Honorary US Marshal in 2003 – an honor only bestowed upon seven other people in the agency’s history. Walsh has received hundreds of other honors, including the 1984 Father of the Year Award from the National Father's Day Committee. Walsh is the only private citizen to receive a Special Recognition Award by a U.S. Attorney General, and he's been honored in the Rose Garden four times by three presidents: Clinton, Bush (Sr.), and Reagan (twice). Today, Walsh continues his lobbying efforts, testifying before Congress and state legislatures on crime, missing children and victims' issues. His latest efforts include lobbying for a Constitutional Amendment for victims' rights.