1. Widener University
3700 Vartan Way • Harrisburg, PA 17110-9450
School of Law
Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic
(717) 541-0320
Fax (717) 541-1970
December 2, 1996
Thomas Edison State College
101 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1176
RE: Letter of Verification on Behalf of Hiram R. Johnston,
Jr., Student No. 139-40-6069/Portfolio Assessment File
Attn: Faculty Consultant Member
THOMAS EDISON STATE COLLEGE
Dear Sir/Madam:
I write this letter on behalf of the above-named student whom
I have known since October, 1993. I am a Professor of Law and
faculty member in charge of the Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic of
Widener University School of Law. In addition to supervising
students enrolled in the Civil Law Clinic, I have taught the
following courses: Family Law (current), Trial Methods (current),
Creditors' Rights, Legal Methods. I became acquainted with Mr.
Johnston during his pro se litigation of a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil
rights action. I was initially appointed by the District Court to
assist Mr. Johnston in an advisory capacity. During this
litigation I had considerable contact with Mr. Johnston both
personally and through the assignment of various law students to
his case during pre-trial preparation and conference, trial, and
appeals. The entire process extended over a three year time span.
During this period I had sufficient opportunity to evaluate the
level of legal skills and knowledge he has acquired through many
years of pro se litigation and "jailhouse lawyer" related
activities.
Based on my legal interaction with Mr. Johnston over the
stated period, I believe that the caliber of his acquired legal
knowledge, skills, and ability is high enough to merit a passing
grade of "C+" or better in the following listed courses taught at
Widener University School of Law. Additionally, I believe that the
scope and intensity of his learning, skill and knowledge acquired
in the listed areas is substantial enough to equal the contents of
a semester-length course of study.

2. LAW 509: LEGAL METHODS I - ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND WRITING
(3 credits)
This course introduces basic techniques of legal analysis,
writing and research. Course requirements include substantial
writing assignments.
Because I formerly taught this course, I feel that I can
adequately assess Mr. Johnston's legal knowledge in relationship to
the course requirements. To successfully complete the course,
students must demonstrate an ability to perform competent legal
research using research tools such as digests, legal encyclopedias,
ALRs, and statutory indices. They must also synthesize the results
of their research, drawing proper analogies and appropriately
distinguishing other authority. Finally, they must write several
legal memoranda which clearly state the results of their research.
I have read many legal documents prepared by Mr. Johnston.
Based on that reading, I feel confident that he has the ability to
receive a grade above a "C+" in Legal Methods I. I also believe
that he has a depth of knowledge equivalent to that which he would
receive were he to complete the course.
LAW 781: TRIAL METHODS (3 credits)
Trial Methods is a semester-long course focusing on oral trial
practice skills and on strategy and planning for civil or
criminal trials. One hour each week will be devoted to
lectures and demonstrations of trial skills. Two hours each
week will be devoted to simulation exercises under the
supervision of experienced practitioners and judges. The
course will conclude with a short jury trial. Trial Methods
is graded pass/fail.
During my association with Mr. Johnston, I have worked with
him during preparation for a federal jury trial. I have observed
him plan his case, prepare witnesses, conduct a pre-trial
conference, pick a jury, make an opening statement, engage in
direct and cross-examination, and make a closing statement to the
jury. All of these matters were undertaken with a high degree of
skill and professionalism. Based on these observations, I believe
that Mr. Johnston clearly possesses the ability to obtain a passing
grade in Trial Methods. I also believe that he has a depth of
knowledge equivalent to that which he would receive were he to
complete the course.
I would estimate that I have spent two hundred (200) hours
working with Mr. Johnston during the course of his civil rights
litigation. I believe that he probably has legal knowledge
equivalent to that which he would receive from several other law
school courses. However, because I have not personally observed
him utilize all of the knowledge that I would expect him to acquire
during the course of a semester in these classes, I am unable to

3. ce ely yo
J. Palmer
state that he has acquired that knowledge. My silence in this
regard is a result of the limitations of my observations, not my
beliefs.
I hope that this information is helpful to you. If you have
any questions, please to not hesitate to contact me at the above
telephone number.
Assistant Professor

4. HBG P 170 21:35 ', BAWER
6800438
Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic
Widener University
School of Law
3700 Vartan Way
P.O. Box 69382
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-9382
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Hiram R. Johnston, Jr.
AM-3014
RD #3 Box 500
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621
,71
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