Your Verdict Counts
A free documentary screening and community conversation about the power every juror carries into the courtroom.
If you’ve ever received a jury summons—or ever will—this evening is for you.
Join the Your Verdict Counts campaign and Richmond community partners for a free screening of our short documentary featuring real jurors, real defendants, and real cases in which a verdict changed everything. Then hear directly from the people who lived those stories in a panel conversation about the rights and responsibilities every Virginian brings into the jury box.
No legal background is required. Just bring your questions—and your conscience.
- Date and time
- Thursday, October 8, 2026
6:00 – 8:30 PM EDT - Venue
- Hilton Richmond Downtown
Miller Rhoads Gerhart Ballroom
501 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Admission is free. Registration requested.
This event will not be live-streamed.
Evening schedule
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Welcome reception
Doors open. Join us for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and conversation with neighbors, community advocates, and people featured in the video.
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Video screening and panel discussion
Watch the Your Verdict Counts documentary, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.
On the panel
Catherine Bernard
Defense attorney, Bernard & Johnson, LLC
A Georgia defense attorney who has seen firsthand how informed jurors can stand between their neighbors and injustice.
Matthew Cavedon
Director, Project on Criminal Justice, Cato Institute
Director of Your Verdict Counts.
Paul St. Louis
Fairfax County juror
His story anchors the film. Paul served on a jury that sent a young man to prison for 40 years—and only learned afterward what he could have done to prevent the injustice.
Sheba Williams
Executive Director, Nolef Turns Inc., Richmond
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Closing reception
Stay to talk with the panelists, connect with Richmond organizations working on justice issues, and pick up free resources—including a wallet card outlining your rights as a juror.
What you’ll take home
Every attendee leaves with free, plain-language materials covering the constitutional rights of jurors, what courts aren’t required to tell you, and what to expect from jury service.
Admission is free
Registration helps us plan. For more information, contact Matthew Cavedon at mcavedon@cato.org.