On May 16, Sherry Knutson and Charissa Walker were among the presenters at DRI’s Drug and Device Litigation Seminar in Washington, D.C. First, Sherry presented on the topic of jurors in today’s polarized political landscape and their increasing willingness to discount objective evidence, accept “alternative facts,” and make emotion-based decisions. Later, Sherry and Charissa participated in “22 Lewd Chinese Women: A Diversity and Inclusion CLE Historical Reenactment. DRI Drug and Medical Device Committee members and guest attorneys reenacted the 1874 case of 22 Chinese women who arrived in San Francisco by steamship from China and were detained by state immigration officials who concluded that they were prostitutes because they were Chinese and traveling alone. The historical case included a four-day trial and appeals all the way to the Supreme Court, raising issues of due process, human and civil rights, and the power of states to regulate immigration.

Mollie Benedict and Sherry both serve on the steering committee. Sherry also serves on the planning committee as marketing chair, and Charissa serves on the regional marketing committee.