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Climate Mock Trial

November 18, 2017 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

In just over two weeks, Leonard Higgins will stand trial in Fort Benton, Montana, for shutting down Spectra Energy’s “Express” pipeline last year. Many in the valve turners extended family are heading out to Montana for that full holiday week. But they’re also heading out a bit early, because of a special event we’re putting on, along with 350 Montana, on Saturday the 18th in Missoula:

Climate Mock Trial: Valve Turner Leonard Higgins argues the Climate Necessity Defense

It’s going to be awesome. SIGN UP FOR THE LIVE WEBCAST! Or if you are in Montana, come see it LIVE in Missoula.

IMG_4527.JPGThree days before he is tried by the State of Montana – Leonard Higgins will stand for a Mock Trial at the University of Montana, Missoula. Denied by the state the opportunity to present the necessity defense, Leonard Higgins will present his climate change case to the Court of Public Opinion.

WHAT: A magnificent production of Story: Leonard Higgins, retired state employee who closed the valve on Spectra’s Express Pipeline on a snowy morning in October 2016. Humor: Behold the spectacle of international renowned climate activists producing a play. The deadly Seriousness of Climate Cataclysm: wild fires and melting glaciers in Montana, hurricanes and drought around the globe. And the Necessity: acting like there is an emergency and taking direct action is the only reasonable response in a world of denial.

WHO: The defense is prepared to call, for the defense of the planet, the following expert witnesses: University of Montana climate scientist Professor Steve Running, civil disobedience expert Tom Hastings, and climate change and US secruity expert Andrew Holland. With presiding judge Bob Gentry, defense attorney Arnold Schroder, and additional support roles by Jeff Smith (350 Montana) and valve turners Michael Foster and Ken Ward. And YOU the Jury!

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th – 7pm Mountain Time (6pm PST)

WHERE: Live Webcast and at the University Center Theater at the University of Montana

Register today to join the live broadcast from the comfort of your own home. And stay tuned next week for more details about the actual trial.

In other valve turner news, we have some new updates from the proceedings in Minnesota. As you know, the judge in the Minnesota has allowed Annette, Emily, Ben and Steve the right to present climate as a defense at their trial, which is currently scheduled for December 11th. We don’t expect that date to stick, however, because the prosecutor has appealed the necessity ruling. We’re in a wait-and-see game. The prosecution has until November 20th to file its brief, and the valve turners have until the 28th to file their response. With the time added in for the prosecution to respond to the response, and then for the appellate judge to rule on the appeal, it is unlikely that a December Minnesota trial will proceed. But we’ll see.

 

mock trial poster

Details

Date:
November 18, 2017
Time:
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Venue

University Center Theater (U of M)
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812 United States
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