Michigan Law Professor Ellen D. Katz
writes on retiring Supreme Court Justice
David Souter whom she clerked for.
Justice Souter has been criticized over the years for writing that lacked catching phrases
a judicial philosophy that lacked an agenda. But Professor Katz describes the Justice's writing
as embodying his own unique methodical reasoning. She also describes his feeling that each case
should be decided, not by a grand theory, but by the judicial craft.
Read Professor Katz on the ACS Blog.
Recent Events
Whirlyball!
Friday, April 17, 2009, 5-6 p.m.
WhirlyBall of Ann Arbor
750 Phoenix Drive
Join ACS and play whirlyball for FREE! What is whirlyball? WhirlyBall of Ann Arbor
says it is indescribable. But know that it involves bumper cars and a plastic,
catching, throwing, and shooting device.
Prosecution v. Defense
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
132 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
ACS hosted Barb McQuade (AUSA for Eastern District of Michigan) and
Valerie Newman
(State Appellate Defender and Michigan Professor) as they spoke on issues relating to
practicing law as a prosecutor and a public defender. Lunch was served!
Tribal Soveriegnty
Thursday, April 9, 2009
250 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
Matthew L.M. Fletcher,
a professor at Michigan State and Director of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center,
discussed his recently published issue brief for ACS entitled, Addressing the Epidemic of Domestic Violence in Indian
County by Restoring Tribal Sovereignty. Professor Fletcher sits as an appellate judge for three Native American Tribes.
As always, lunch was served.
Michigan Law's Native American Law Student Association is cosponsoring this event.
Michigan Innocence Clinic
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
120 Hutchins, 12:15 pm
Professors Bridget McCormack and David Moran of Michigan Law's new Innocence Clinic
spoke about litigating claims of actual innocence by prisoners in cases where DNA evidence
is not available. One of the clinic's cases was recently discussed in the
Detroit Free Press.
About the Speakers.
-
Professor Moran worked for eight years at the State Appellate Defender Office,
served as a cooperating attorney with the ACLU and as a member of the board of the
Michigan Innocence Project, argued five times before the United States Supreme Court,
before co-founding the Innocence Clinic.
- Professor McCormack
is the associate dean for clinical affairs and teaches a criminal defense clinic, a domestic violence clinic,
and a pediatric advocacy clinic. Before joining the faculty, she was a Robert M. Cover Fellow at Yale Law School,
supervising students in the Community Legal Services Clinic and the Prison Litigation Clinic. She also worked as
a staff attorney with the Office of the Appellate Defender and was a senior trial attorney with the Criminal
Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society, both in New York City.
General Body Meeting
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
250 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm
We discussed our upcoming membership drive as well as the
ACS National Convention in Washington D.C. June 18-20.
We also talked about our upcoming election and the board positions that will be available.
In short, the positions available for election are:
- President
- Vice President
- Student Group Liaison
- Michigan/National Liaison
- Event Logistics
To run, please write a brief statement stating the position(s) for which you
would like to run and why you are interested. Statements are due to
Tanya Koenig by 5 PM, Friday,
April 3. We'll send out the statements to the general body at about
5:15 PM Friday. To vote, please reply to that message with the candidates
you select. The election will close at 5 PM, Monday, April 6. Results will
be sent out as soon as practicable thereafter.
Note: you are free to run for more than one position, if you are so inclined! Good luck!
Casa Libre/ Freedom House
Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2009
218 Hutchins, 5:30 pm
ACS co-sponsored a screening of "Casa Libre/Freedom House" with the
Journal of Race & Law.
"Casa Libre/ Freedom
House" is a documentary about a shelter in California for undocumented,
unaccompanied minor immigrants. The film discusses issues of race, immigration law,
constitutional rights, and children's rights. It was produced by the
Chicano Studies Center of UCLA and directed by
Roberto Oregel. Mr.
Oregel presented his film and discussed his experiences afterwards. Refreshments were
served.
2009 Moot Court!
Saturday/Sunday, March 14-15, 2009
Hutchins Hall (most rooms)
The University of Michigan was one of two national sites for the
Constance Baker Motley National Moot Court!
Contestants arrived Friday, March 13 from across the country to hear Dean Caminker give a
gracious welcome in the Lawyers's Club Lounge. The main competition occurred Saturday and
Sunday. All in all, the competition was a fantastic success!
ACS thanks everyone for the use of Hutchins Hall and for making sure that our guests felt
welcome! We are still sorting out receipts, photos, and such, and will post the results
and some pictures of the competition shortly.
Issues Confronting Unions
Thursday, March 5, 2009
218 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
ACS hosted Carlos Bermudez of the
UAW General Counsel Office. Audience members enjoyed lunch while Mr. Bermudez
discussed the AFL-CIO's views on the Employee Free Choice Act and unions'
difficulties in organizing and bargaining.
About the Speaker. Among Mr. Bermudez's many achievements, he was recently honored by
Michigan Lawyer's Weekly
as an "In-House Leader in the Law." He was also a speaker on Best Practices at
the recent
2008
National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity and is serving on the
Workers'
Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee at the request of Governor Granholm.
Cosponsoring this event with ACS were the University's Student Chapters of:
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009
250 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
Many changes in the law originate from Executive directives. Wonder what changes
the new administration might bring? ACS presented a to discuss how the Obama
administration might affect the law. Professors
Gross and
Niehoff outlined changes they anticipate might be forthcoming. Over 65 people came
out to participate (and to enjoy lunch!).
California Proposition 8
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009
150 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
Over 150 people joined us in HH 150 to eat Jimmy John sandwiches and hear
Professor Mark Rosenbaum talk about the litigation challenging California's
controversial Proposition 8 prohibition on Gay Marriage. Professor Rosenbaum outlined
the legal strategies involved, gave an overview of the main briefs in the case, and
discussed his thoughts of the case's importance--not just with respect to gay
marriage, but also with respect to the interaction of the principles of Equal Protection
and Popular Sovereignty.
Supreme Court Roundup
Thursday, February 5, 2009
150 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
The American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society jointly hosted the Supreme
Court Roundup, a discussion of cases in the second half of the Court's term. About 150
students joined us in HH 150 to enjoy pizza and to hear Professors
Ellen Katz,
Joan Larsen, and
Christina Whitman discuss cases they found to be of particular interest.
We hope to be able to post pictures and audio of the event shortly. In the meantime,
for information about the Court's current Docket, see the
Supreme Court website.
General Body Meeting
Monday, Feb. 2, 2009
218 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm
ACS held it's General Body meeting. Members came out to hear a quick recap of
last semester's events, learn about upcoming events, consider available board
positions, and enjoy lunch from Pizza Hut! In short, the positions available for
election are:
- Treasurer
- Social Chair
- Media/Web Chair
- Moot Court Steering Committee (2 openings)
To run, please write a brief statement stating the position(s) for which you
would like to run and why you are interested. Statements are due to
Mandy Castle by 5 PM, Wednesday,
February 4. We'll send out the statements to the general body at about
5:15 PM Wednesday. To vote, please reply to that message with the candidates
you select. The election will close at 5 PM, Friday, February 6. Results will
be sent out as soon as practicable thereafter.
Note: you are free to run for more than one position, if you are so inclined! If
you missed the meeting and would like information on an open position, please see the
Board "People" page
and contact the person currently holding the role for more information. (For
information on the Moot Court Steering Committee positions, please contact
Tanya Koenig.) Good luck!
From Apartheid to Gay Marriage:
Change Through Constitutionalism
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009
220 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
As a member of the Human Rights Commission,
Professor Karthy Govender is helping to ensure the transformation of South African
society from an unjust past to one based on fundamental rights. Roughly 65 people
joined in HH 220 to eat pizza and listen as he shared tales of litigating a new
Constitution in South Africa!
Due to an unfortunte technical malfunction with the camera, the recording of Prof.
Govender's talk was not successful. We apologize, but we are unable to post the
recording of this wonderful event.
Evening Social
Friday, January 23, 2009
BTB Cantina (1140 S University Ave), 5-7 PM
ACS hosted a "get together" at BTB Cantina
to welcome everyone back. Everyone discussed deep issues (mainly classes, sports, and
how to keep warm) while enjoying appetizers!
Study Break!
Monday, Dec. 8, 2007
118 Hutchins Hall, 9-11 am
ACS was there to help people study with breakfast (brunch, early lunch, nosh...call
it what you will) before exams get into full swing. Donuts were had, juice was
consumed, and so forth.
(Last tip for those taking Evidence: if you heard any claims that ACS donuts would
boost your GPA, odds are, it is likely hearsay for most purposes...)
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008
150 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
Bringing Integrity Back to the Agency
Joe Rich
of the
Lawyers' Committee on Civil Rights Under the Law joined us to discuss the future
of the DOJ and how a new administration might work to undo the damage of the hiring and
firing scandals. Nearly 80 students came out to hear his ideas, ask questions, and munch
pizza!
If you missed the talk, the video can be seen
online.
Cosponsoring this event with ACS were the University's Student Chapters of:
"Working Lunch" Series
Working on "The Hill"
Monday, Nov. 24, 2008
100 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm
ACS continued the "Working Lunch" series with a talk on working with the US
Legislature! Student panelists discussed the experience of being a legal intern on
"the Hill," its benefits, and tips on how you can apply. Nearly 60 people
joined in to hear the talk, ask questions, and eat sandwiches!
For those who missed the talk, the video is available
online.
To contact any of our panelists with questions, click below:
Evening Social
Friday, November 21, 2008
BTB Cantina (1140 S University Ave), 5-7 PM
ACS hosted a "get together" at BTB Cantina
to celebrate the end of the semester (almost!). A bunch of us came out to eat burritos and talk
about deep thoughts, like the intracies of "shuffle-puck." A good time was had by all!
Covering SCOTUS
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
218 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
ACS and EMALSA hosted Dahlia Lithwick
(Sr. Editor, Slate.com; Contributing Editor, Newsweek)! Well
over 100 people joined us in Hutchins 218 to munch sandwiches and hear Ms. Lithwick discuss her
experiences at Slate and in covering the Supreme Court. She brought her perspective as a
journalist on covering the court, her views of oral arguments and the Justices themselves, and her
speculations on what effect the new administration might have.
For those who missed the talk, we are sorry to report that Ms. Lithwick has decided that posting
the video would not be appropriate. (More reason to try to get to these talks in person...we
cannot always guarantee we will be able to post a recording!) We are able to share some
pictures of the event, though...enjoy!
Note: Ms. Lithwick has spoken for ACS before; click here to
view a Voting Rights panel she moderated.
"Working Lunch" Series
Judicial Internships
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
120 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm
ACS proudly kicked off the "Working Lunch" series with a talk on judicial internships!
Roughly 110 people came to enjoy the presentation (and sandwiches). First, we heard from
the Office of Career Services, a co-sponsor of the event.
Beth Wickwire from Career Services gave an overview
of what her office can offer. (See our Resources page for
relevant web links!) The audience then learned how to apply for internships, picking up an
information sheet on how to do this. They also
heard personal accounts of what it is like to work at a variety of state and federal courts
(from Magistrate to Circuit), followed by a question and answer session.
For those who missed the talk, we have pictures (pic one,
two); also, the talk is available
online if you would care to view it. To contact any of our panelists with questions,
click below:
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008
150 Hutchins, 12:20 pm
Professor Neil Kinkopf
(Georgia State University College of Law)
discussed the Department of Justice
hiring scandal and what's at stake for the DOJ this election. Roughly 120 people
joined us and our cosponsors for this event. If you missed Professor Kinkopf's
talk, the presentation can be viewed
online.
Cosponsoring this event with ACS were the University's Student Chapters of:
2008-2009 Moot Court Tryouts
Deadline: Fri. October 24, 2008, 5 PM
Wow! We have received a record 20 entries for our moot court
teams! The Board is busily grading all the entries and will announce the winners
as soon as possible. Note that those chosen to participate must be members of
ACS National to participate (only $10).
For details on this year's entry process, see the
Moot Court application rules. Questions?
E-mail
Sarah Tremont.
Voting Rights in 2008
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
132 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm
ACS and MELP (Michigan Election Law Project)
sponsored a video presentation that looked at legal issues likely to affect voting rights in 2008.
Roughly 60 people turned out to listen as a panel moderated by Dahlia Lithwick (Senior Editor,
Slate.com) discussed potential problems that threaten to
disenfranchise vulnerable voters. The panel (and MELP) also made suggestions as to what we
can do to make sure every vote counts.
Due to time constraints, we stopped the video at 46 minutes; those who wish to view the remainder
of the presentation (or those unable to attend) can view it
online.
In addition to Dahlia Lithwick, the panel included:
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.
National Web Events
Click here to visit our
national web site.
