Scams, elder abuse, power of attorney, and living wills are among the topics that will be discussed Friday at "Seniors and the Law," a Judicial Branch conference aimed at educating seniors on how to protect themselves and their assets.

Nearly 100 people have signed up for the event, which will begin at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse at 20 Park St., in the Rockville section of Vernon. Cameras will be allowed into the conference. Those who have signed up for the program are from several towns and cities, including: Bloomfield, Colchester, Coventry, Ellington, Enfield, Glastonbury, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, Milford, New Britain, Richmond, Va., Rocky Hill, Somers, South Windsor, Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, Willington, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.

"The purpose of this event is to provide senior citizens, and their families and friends with access to reliable and objective information about significant issues confronting them," Chief Justice William J. Sullivan said. "We as citizens must do all we can to help ensure the future of our elders -- a future filled with independence, security and dignity."

Chief Court Administrator Joseph H. Pellegrino will welcome the group, and an overview of Connecticut's court system then will be presented by the Hon. Terence A. Sullivan, Administrative Judge for the Tolland Judicial District.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams will begin at 9:15 a.m. That segment will feature as speakers Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and James T. Fleming, Commissioner of the State Department of Consumer Protection. Scams that the pair will cover include cyberfraud, driveway paving schemes, and fraudulent telemarketing promotions.

The next segment -- What is Elder Abuse and How is it Dealt With? -- will begin at 9:45 a.m. Speakers are Assistant State's Attorney Nancy Salerno and Deputy Assistant State's Attorney John DeMattia. They will discuss the role of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney is prosecuting Medicaid fraud, physical abuse, and financial exploitation of the elderly.

At 10:45 a.m., Judge James J. Lawlor, Probate Court Administrator, will speak during the segment entitled Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney for Heath Care, Living Will, Do Not Resuscitate Orders.

The program will end between 11:45 a.m. and 12 noon.

For more information, contact Rhonda Stearley-Hebert, Manager of Communications, at 860-757-2270.