N.C. Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr.

UNC Asheville will host a talk by North Carolina Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr. on "What Does the Leandro Case Mean for North Carolina Children?" at 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, at UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium. Manning presided over this nine-year school funding equity case, which mandated a sound education for all North Carolina children. A reception will follow the talk. The event is free and open to the public.

Considered a landmark court case on the way North Carolina school districts receive funding from the state, the Leandro case has been twice upheld by the North Carolina Supreme Court. The 1997 ruling determined that every North Carolina child has a fundamental state constitutional right to sound basic education. The court also held that the entire state, not local school districts, has the obligation to actively safeguard and successfully deliver every child's right. Manning is currently overseeing the state's response to his mandates in the Leandro court dispute.

Manning has served as a judge for more than 12 years, presiding over hundreds of civil and criminal cases spanning 61 North Carolina counties. He was named the Raleigh News & Observer's Tar Heel of the Year in 2004 and received honors from the Academy of Trial Lawyers, North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute and the North Carolina School Psychology Association.

A special luncheon with Manning will precede his talk at noon in UNC Asheville's Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. Seating is limited. For reservations, call UNC Asheville's Asheville Graduate Center at 828/251-6099. Cost is $14 payable by cash or check at the door.

Attorneys attending Manning's talk may register at the door for a one hour general Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit with the North Carolina State Bar. The $2.25 CLE credit fee may be paid with cash or check at the door.

Sponsors include the 28th Judicial District Bar, Asheville City Schools, Center for Diversity Education, UNC Asheville's Education Department, UNC Asheville's Office of Cultural and Special Events, the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement, and the Western Regional Education Service Alliance.

For more information, call the Asheville Graduate Center at 828/251-6099.