May 1
7 – 8 p.m.
OETA

Oklahomans can expect an insightful look into the legal system when the annual award-winning Ask A Lawyer call-in show airs. This is the 30th year OETA and the Oklahoma Bar Association have co-produced the show, designed to share information about legal issues in easy-to-understand language.

A series of segments will be shown during the hour to provide a glimpse into Oklahoma's legal community. The show will feature three segments on the topics of:

• Mental health court
• Animal law
• Tort reform

Each segment will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by OBA member Dick Pryor.

It's no surprise that many inmates in Oklahoma's prison system suffer from a form of mental illness. What is the state doing to help nonviolent offenders treat their illnesses? Viewers will meet Harvey Lawson as he describes his journey through the state's mental health court system and how he's gone from being a drug addict to a caring grandfather.

Pet owners should be interested in the show's "animal law" segment, which explains how to ensure that a pet is cared for should its owner pass away. Lawyer Christine Cave will share what steps she has taken to make sure her four capuchin monkeys live the good life even if she's not around.

When most people think of tort reform, they think of doctors versus lawyers. However, tort laws encompass much more than personal injury. B.J. Kincade will tell the story of how her son's death in a car accident spurred her to become a products liability advocate and how her attorney helped her get to where she is today.

During the program, viewers can call in for free legal advice, a community service Oklahoma lawyers are providing in conjunction with the national celebration of Law Day. Viewers statewide will be able to reach an attorney by calling (800) 456-8525 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Viewers who prefer to speak to an attorney practicing in their town or county will be able to see and call local numbers during the broadcast.

The winners in statewide Law Day art and writing contests also will be featured on the show. More than 1,600 Oklahoma students in grades Pre-K through high school entered the contests, designed to stimulate discussion and understanding of the law among young Oklahomans.