Battles raged in hospital corridors, courtrooms, in hearts and elsewhere when the Terri Schiavo case gripped the nation earlier this year, raising many questions on end-of-life issues.

Experts from around the nation will continue the discussion Oct. 11-12 at the Honorable James J. Gilvary Symposium on Law, Religion and Social Justice, exploring the current and future legal situation and its implications for this topic.

'We want to explore where the law is heading,' said Lori Shaw, law school assistant dean and symposium coordinator.

The media attention surrounding the Schiavo case brought end-of-life issues to greater prominence among legislators, according to Shaw. Many new laws are pending, such as one that may limit a judge's ability to decide whether a person should be removed from life support.

Because of the complexity of the issue, increased by growing technology, lawyers should proceed with caution.

'We have to be careful not to be reactionary,' Shaw said. 'This is a tough area of the law and I think it's going to take some time to evolve.'

A biennial event sponsored by the UD School of Law, the symposium will feature speakers with not only legal but also medical or journalistic backgrounds, such as Bill Kurtis, the anchor of A&E's 'American Justice' and a former CBS reporter.

This integration between disciplines is one of the purposes of the symposium, according to Shaw.

'We look for topics that really show how those (law, religion and social justice) really intersect,' she said. 'It allows the law school not only to bring together law students and practicing attorneys, but also the community.'

End-of-life issues affect thousands in the American community each year, forcing family members to accept heavy responsibilities and answer questions on the value and quality of life, according to Shaw.

'This isn't something that is theoretical,' she said. 'This is happening right now.'

Heartache can be avoided by planning in advance. Shaw pointed to the women involved in three major end-of-life cases: Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan and Terri Schiavo.

'They were all young women who were struck down quickly,' Shaw said. 'It never occurred to them to have some form of advanced directive (a living will).'

For those who want to take steps in advance, the UDSL Volunteer Student Law Project and Volunteer Lawyers' Project will assist with living will and healthcare power of attorney preparation free of charge on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Keller Hall. Contact Sarah Brown at (937) 361-8552 for more information.

The symposium begins Tuesday afternoon on Oct. 11 with an overview of end-of-life law, including sessions with state legislators and other experts on the evolving standards regarding end-of-life issues and the constitutionality of any changes to the law. Wednesday events continue with sessions on rights of the disabled, a mock hospital ethics board meeting and presentations on the role of religion in lawmaking.

All events will be held in Keller Hall's Mathias H. Heck Courtroom. The symposium is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. Contact Heather Bittenbender at (937) 229-3794.

For those wanting Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, the cost is $50 for UD School of Law alumni and $100 for all others. Dinner on Tuesday is included. The cost is $20 for those who wish to stay for dinner but do not want CLE credit.