Voting Rights in 2008

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008

132 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm

ACS and MELP (Michigan Election Law Project) are sponsoring a video presentation that looks at legal issues likely to affect voting rights in 2008. A panel moderated by Dahlia Lithwick (Slate.com) will discuss potential problems that threaten to disenfranchise the most vulnerable voters and what we can do to make sure every vote counts.

In addition to Dahlia Lithwick, the panel includes:

Kristen Clarke, Assistant Counsel in the Political Participation Group, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Nina Perales, Southwest Regional Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Wendy Weiser, Deputy Director for Democracy, Brennan Center for Justice
Closing Remarks by Jonah Goldman, Director, National Campaign for Fair Elections in the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's Voting Rights Project

Lunch (not pizza!) will be served!

2008-2009 Moot Court Tryouts

Deadline: Fri. October 24, 2008, 5 PM

Try out for places on our Moot Court teams! All ACS members may apply. Those selected must be members of ACS National to participate (only $10). Briefs will be due mid-January; oral arguments are mid-March. For details, see the Moot Court application rules. Questions? E-mail Sarah Tremont.

Recent Events

Supreme Court Roundup

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

250 Hutchins, 12:20 pm

The American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society jointly hosted the Supreme Court Roundup! Nearly 200 students packed into HH 250 to hear Dean Evan Caminker moderate a panel to discuss cases in the Supreme Court's upcoming term. Professors Eve Brensike Primus, Richard Friedman, Scott Hershovitz, and Douglas Laycock talked about the upcoming cases they found most interesting.

Have a look at pictures of the event! Or, for information about the Court's current Docket, see the Supreme Court website.

Separation of Church and State

Monday, Oct. 6, 2008

218 Hutchins, 12:20 pm

ACS and ACLU jointly hosted Richard Katskee, Assistant Legal Director for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. About 60 people joined us as in HH 218 to eat burritos and hear Mr. Katskee discuss the issue of government fundingn for religious organizations, as well as recent cases with which AU has been involved.

Mr. Katskee's background may be found here. His talk was recorded and is available if you would care to view it.

Undue Deference?

Is There Abuse of Summary Judgment in Employment Discrimination Cases by the Federal Judiciary

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008

138 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm

ACS hosted David Nacht of Nacht & Associates as he discussed the use (and abuse) of Summary Judgment standards. Over 100 people packed HH 138 to hear Mr. Nacht, a civil rights practitioner and Michigan alumnus, provide his perspective on one of the hottest areas in current legal scholarship. In case you missed the talk due to other committments or because the room was too full, Mr. Nacht's talk was recorded and is available here for viewing.

General Body Meeting

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008

116 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm

Hutchins Hall 116 was packed with people who came out to learn more about ACS. We talked about what ACS is and what it does, gave an overview of upcoming events, and discussed the opportunities and rewards of joining our local chapter and the national organization. And, oh yes, we feasted on sandwiches from the "Earl of Sandwich!"

The Heller Decision

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008

250 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm

ACS hosted Dennis Henigan, Vice President and Legal Director for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, to discuss the effects of the District of Columbia v. Heller decision on gun policy. About 85 people came out to hear Mr. Henigan discuss his views on Justice Scalia's majority opinion, as well as his thoughts on why the decision might not lead to sweeping policy changes nationwide.

Click here to review Mr. Henigan's extensive background. Or, for a one-minute overview, watch this quick clip by Mr. Henigan on YouTube.

Evening Social

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Good Time Charley's (1140 S University Ave), 6-8 PM

The American Constitution Society hosted a "get together" at Good Time Charley's. A group of us went over after the Constitution Day presentation to meet ACS members, think deep thoughts...or, just hang out with cool people. Appetizers and a good time were served.

Constitutional Coffee!

Monday, September 15, 2008

100 Hutchins Hall

8:00 to 11:00 am

Curious about the Constitution and how it affects day-to-day life? Want to learn about important and current issues? Many people stopped by to visit the ACS table outside of HH 100 to have a cup of coffee, meet our members, learn about ACS, and see for themselves what ACS has to offer.