Mockingbird has influenced generations of college graduat graduates, aspiring to practice law like Atticus Finch to go to law school. Last year on the occasion of the books 50th anniversary we contacted harper lee who graciously authorized this award to honor an author whose work best exemplifies the positive role of warriors in society and their power to effect change. The prize is grounded in the character of a lawyer, lawyer, Atticus Finch, indispensable and courageous representation of tom robinson. On september 21, 2010 u. S. Attorney general eric holder honored our law school when he came to tuscaloosa, alabama to help celebrate half a century of to kill a mockingbird and to help us to establish this award. Our law school has a very special partner in this award and sponsor at the journal which is read by about half of the nations lawyers monthly about half million lawyers but we now call upon jack to make some remarks, jack is the executive director of the ada. [applause] thank
Welcome to the inaugural writers hour at James Madison university. We are glad you are here. I want to thank the provost, the first person that i post about in this series. The everyone at the communications further help promoting the event. The we wouldnt be here so thanks to you. We also wouldnt be without john grisham. He should have his own show. Before i met him i knew he was generous with his time and money and you cant go three days and i got to know him most would agree he was a gravedigger and never met someone that for their fame so blithely. Hes a regular person. But of course he is a famous writer. In one place that sold a quarter of a billion bucks and another place he sold 300 million so at some point you throw in the towel and say a boatload. This is academia there is no keeping it loose but here we are on stage in academia. Weve probably got john on the cool side of the mountain where he belongs and i hope he becomes a regular visitor. Please welcome our friend and bene