Speaking at a hearing of the U.S. Senate subcommittee on crime and drugs, Former District Attorney Lynne Abraham faulted Philadelphia judges as being too lenient, criticized defense lawyers for "gaming the system," blasted the bail system and criticized The Inquirer for a series of stories on the courts. At the hearing, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, who convened the hearing, invited other key participants in the system, including John S. Goldkamp, a criminal justice professor at Temple University. "I think that opportunity comes in at a time of crisis and concern," said Goldkamp. Without clearly needed change, he said, "the Philadelphia court system risks being held up nationally as an example of a dysfunctional court system."