Community Court Clerk Darious Scott (L) hands a case file to Community Court Referee Lisa Harris, who will preside over the case. Community Court is a subsidiary of Shelby County Environmental Court. (Rob Brown)
Want to know who's fighting blight around Memphis and how? Are you part of a group that is currently working to improve the look, feel, and safety of your neighborhood?
Log on Tuesday, March 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for "Environmental Court 201."
The event is the second in a series of virtual meetings that provide the public with a chance to learn about environmental court and ask questions of
Shelby County Environmental Court Judge Patrick Dandridge.
The inaugural 101 session took place on January 26. That session covered the basics of how the court works, why the court is important, and who's involved.
Watch that 52-minute conversation here.
This second session is gear towards connecting with community groups who are already working to reduce blight and code violations, but anyone can attend to learn how the court works with community groups to shape a safer, cleaner, and more beautiful Memphis.
Community groups can submit questions in advance to
[email protected] or ask questions at the event via chat.
The event is free but guests must
RSVP here.
In 1983, the City of Memphis created the first Shelby County Environmental Court to address violations of its health, fire, building, and zoning codes. The move centralized all ordinance violation cases under one judge, which improved the court's ability to respond to environmental needs.
Related: "Neighborhood Justice: How Memphis' Community Courts are reducing barriers to court appearances"
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Cole Bradley is a native Memphian and graduate of the University of Memphis. Cole's worked locally as a researcher and community engagement strategist and began contributing to High Ground in Jan 2017.