The National Hellenic Museum Announces The Verdict From The NHM Trial Of Hippocrates

Following an evening of compelling and timely debate by reputable lawyers with proceedings and decisions by notable judges and jurors, the National Hellenic Museum (NHM), 333 South Halsted Street, is excited to announce the verdict of the 6th NHM Trial Series event, The NHM Trial of Hippocrates. On Wednesday, February 20 at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, a jury composed of community leaders, legal and medical professionals, and academics presented their verdict of "Not Guilty" to a presiding panel of federal and state court judges.

Attendees of The NHM Trial of Hippocrates experienced the court in the style of ancient Athens, with a modern twist featuring the non-scripted wit of dynamic legal arguments and the examination of an expert witness, as professional attorneys debated whether the great Greek physician Hippocrates was guilty of violating his own Oath when administering medical care to the dying King of Thebes. The King, desperate to be cured, offered Hippocrates many treasures and riches for remedies to his several ailments. Upon his death, the king's son and heir charged Hippocrates for violating the Oath he had written when taking up his medical practice, citing that Hippocrates stole his father's last days.

Arguments from both prosecution and defense were convincing and many in the audience of hundreds stated the case was an ethical and professional challenge. In the end, the verdict of the jury breakdown was 3 'Guilty' and 9 'Not Guilty' among the jury of twelve esteemed jurors from the community. The jury's determining verdict was supported by hundreds of attendees when the scales of justice were literally tipped to 'Not Guilty' by the majority of the audience voting chips. The revered panel of judges split evenly with two supporting the arguments of the prosecution and two supporting the position of the defense counsel. Indeed, the case against Hippocrates was strong, and it was a difficult decision for all.

"Best of the NHM Trial Series - and I have been to then all!" said one physician in the audience. "My high school daughter and her debate colleagues/friends whom are the lawyers of tomorrow, loved it completely. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was thoroughly impressed and enjoyed the entire trial. Exemplary is the best way to explain it!" said one person new to the event.

"Presenting The Trial of Hippocrates as our 6th installment of our trial series was a huge success! The participating judges, lawyers and jurors prepared their cases to the highest quality, and the debate the audience experienced had us all on the edge of our seats. This is one of the most engaging events the Museum holds each year, and this year was certainly no exception!" said National Hellenic Museum President Dr. Laura Calamos. "This truly unique event brings Hellenism alive, including our love of learning by prompting critical thinking and citizen involvement in decision making. It's not every day that we as ordinary individuals get to listen to some of the best attorneys in the state argue a case with all the authentic drama as if it's an official trial. At the end of the courtroom presentations last night, our audience came together as was done in ancient times, each casting their individual ballot, which resulted in a 'Not Guilty' verdict. Although an ancient story, questioning the quality of healthcare at the end of life is still being debated today, just as it was thousands of years ago," said Dr. Calamos.

Further extending the mission of the National Hellenic Museum to provide lifelong learning for the entire community, The NHM Trial of Hippocrates was approved for 1.5 hours Ethics continuing legal education, CLE credits provided by Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP and the event was also approved for 2.5 hours of continuing nursing education, CNE credits provided by the University of Illinois College of Nursing IHCI, for the attorneys and nurses who attended the event.

U.S. District Judge Charles P. Kocoras (presiding), U.S. Court of Appeals Judge William J. Bauer, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman and Cook County Circuit Judge Anna H. Demacopoulos, presided over The NHM Trial of Hippocrates, while the counsel included Robert A. Clifford of Clifford Law Offices, Patrick M. Collins of King & Spalding, Tinos Diamantatos of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and former U.S. Attorney Dan K. Webb of Winston & Strawn.

Andrea Darlas, an award-winning Radio and Television News Anchor and Reporter at WGN Radio and WGN-TV, opened the trial as the Moderator and Dr. Peter Angelos, Associate Director of the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago, served as the Expert Witness, examined by attorney Christina Faklis Adair of the Cook County's State Attorney's Office,

Members of the 2019 jury included George Bellas, Senior Partner, Bellas & Wachowski, Attorneys at Law; Darby Dickerson, Dean, The John Marshall Law School; Michael L. Galaty, Director, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology; Hal R. Morris, Partner and Deputy General Counsel, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP; Constance Stavropoulos Palas, Vice President & Associate Counsel, Calamos Investments; Leon Platanias, Director, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center; Emily Reusswig, Executive Director, Chicago Cultural Alliance; Leah Rippe, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Brookfield Zoo; Herm Schneider, Head Athletic Trainer-Emeritus, Chicago White Sox Baseball Club; Kris Swanson, Vice President and Forensic Services Practice Leader, Charles River Associates; Terri E. Weaver, PhD, RN, FAAN, ATSF, Dean and Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing; and Dr. Athanasios Zervas, Associate Professor, University of Macedonia Thessaloniki Greece.

The dynamic NHM Trial Series has grown both in reputation and following over the years. The 2016 Trial of Antigone was broadcast on WTTW-TV (PBS Chicago) in May 2017 and nominated for a regional Emmy. The 2018 Trial of Megacles is expected to be released on DVD soon. Previous events in the NHM Trial Series are available as DVDs for purchase at the Museum Store.

The NHM thanks the 2019 sponsors of The NHM Trial of Hippocrates, including Athenian Circle sponsors: Calamos Investments, Clifford Law Offices, and Kramer Levin.

For more information, visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call (312) 655.1234.

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