On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Gettysburg College will host a forum featuring the candidates running in the upcoming election for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the 51st Judicial District: Torren Ecker and Paul Royer. The forum will consist of a series of questions posed by the moderator and the audience, allowing the candidates to present their views and engage in constructive dialogue.
The forum will take place in Mara Auditorium in Masters Hall on the campus of Gettysburg College, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and the forum beginning at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The forum will conclude at 8:00 p.m., and a reception will be held in Glatfelter Lodge from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. This nonpartisan event offers an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their qualifications, judicial philosophies, and their visions for the future of the Adams County court system.
Anne S. Douds, JD, PhD, will moderate the event. She is Chair and Associate Professor of Public Policy and Co-Chair of Public Health Policy at Gettysburg College. She is a retired trial attorney with 20 years of litigation experience. Her research and consulting work focus on program evaluations in justice systems and legal aid organizations, criminal justice policy, social and legal health, specialized courts, victims’ rights, veterans’ issues, and systems analysis.
Sponsors of the Judicial Forum, including the Adams County Bar Association, Gettysburg College’s Center for Public Service, the Eisenhower Institute, the Public Policy Department, the Political Science Department, the Patrick Henry Debate Society, and the Pre-Law Club, have played a crucial role in organizing and promoting this event. Their support underscores the importance of this forum in our community.
Media: For more information, contact Diane Brennan at 717-337-6825 or dbrennan@gettysburg.edu.