Secrets of Abu Ghraib Revealed

Thursday, November 11th; Hutchins Hall 120, 12:20 PM

The American Constitution Society, along with the ACLU, the Criminal Law Society, and the National Security Law Society, welcomes Christopher Graveline. Mr. Graveline is an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. He was the lead Army prosecutor in the major criminal cases stemming from the 2004 Abu Ghraib torture scandal. His book describing his Abu Ghraib experiences, "The Secrets ofAbu Ghraib Revealed: American Soldiers on Trial," was published in June 2010.

Upcoming Legal Lunches

Mark Your Calendar!!!

October 5th, Professor Margaret Radin; October 13th, Professor Joan Larsen; November 4th, Professor Nicholas Bagley; November 18th, Professor Ellen Katz

Barb McQuade, U.S. Attorney, On Her first Year on the Job

Thursday, October 28th; HH 218, 12:15 PM

Join ACS in welcoming Barb McQuade, the current U.S. Attorney to the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. McQuade will share thoughts on the challenges of running a federal government office, will talk about the exciting moments of a hectic year in Michigan law, and will suggest that life in a U.S. Attorney’s office is an interesting and constantly changing environment.

The Future of the Roberts Court: A Conversation With Amy Howe

Thursday, October 21st; Hutchins Hall 120, 12:20 PM

The American Constitution Society hosts Amy Howe of Supreme Court bar fame! Ms. Howe is a founding member of Scotusblog and Howe & Russell, P.C. and is a lecturer at Stanford Law School. She has litigated over two dozen merits cases before the Supreme Court, including one last term. Her special interests include the death penalty, international law, and international human rights.

Paul Smith - Supreme Court Litigator

Monday, September 27, 2010

We are hosting Darin See. He is awesome. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a photo of Mr. See and so we must use this accompanying photo of Paul Smith.

Legal Lunches Featuring: J.J. Prescott

Friday, September 10, 2010

RSVP: khodj@umich.edu

Space limited!!!

Join us for the kickoff of ACS' recurring lunch series. National members will be breaking bread this week with Prof. J.J. Prescott. Sign up for national membership and enjoy lunch on ACS!

1Ls encouraged!!!

Supreme Court Roundup

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 -- 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM

Location: 100 HH

Click Here to Watch the Recording of the Winter 2010 Supreme Court Roundup!

The American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society are joined by Michigan Law Review and the Michigan Journal of Law Reform to host the Supreme Court Roundup! Moderated by Dean Evan Caminker, panelists will discuss cases recently or soon to be decided by the Supreme Court. Speakers include professors Julian Mortenson, Richard Primus, and Adam Pritchard.

Is the Health Care Law Constitutional?

Tuesday, April 19, 2010 -- 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM

Location: 100 HH

With the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (better known as "the health care law") in question, Professor Richard Primus has agreed to address the matter. Students have asked Prof. Primus what they have missed (believing the law clearly constitutional), and others have asked Prof. Primus's opinion of the constitutional challenges that are being pressed. Come and find out!

Michigan Supreme Court and Stare Decisis

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 -- 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM

Location: 220 HH

Professor Robert A. Sedler of Wayne State University argues the Justices on the Michigan Supreme Court have used their power to overrule prior decisions with which they disagreed, in order to change tort law in favor of defendants, change worker's compensation law in favor of employers, and change criminal law in favor of prosecutors. Professor Sedler argues that in so doing, the Michigan Supreme Court abandoned stare decisis.

Working the Polls

Friday, March 26, 2010 -- 12:10-1:10 PM

Location 120 HH

It's easy to take our democracy for granted . until you learn about all the ways in which people have tried to manipulate it. Poll workers are a vital safeguard in our political process. Howard Scheps, election recruiter for the city of Ann Arbor will discuss poll workers' importance and how law students can get involved.

General Body Meeting & Elections!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 -- 12:20 - 1:20 PM

Location: 116 HH

Want to get more involved? Come to our General Body Meeting!

Find out what positions will be open in upcoming elections. Learn about upcoming events. Enjoy lunch on ACS!

How Can You Defend Those People: Representing Khalid Sheik Mohammed and the Guantanamo Detainees

Monday, March 15, 2010 -- 4:00-5:00 pm

Location: 116 HH

Please join us in welcoming David Nevin, a high-profile criminal defense attorney, as he discusses Guantanamo defense cases and his work defending Khalid Sheik Mohammed.

This event is co-sponsored by Criminal Law Society, ACS, and ACLU.

Evening Social!

Friday, March 12, 2010 -- 6:30-8:00 PM

Location: Dominick's (812 Monroe Street)

ACS hosts a "get together" at Dominick's to welcome prospective 1Ls. There will be food, drinks, and conversation to unwind after your first taste of the Socratic Method.

Women Paving the Way for Environmental Law & Justice

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 -- 12:10-1:10 PM

Location 100 HH

Professor Sara Rollet Gosman will discuss careers in environmental law. Professor Gosman is the recipient of a Fulbright grant to research the role of environmental organizations in Hungary's transition to democracy, as well as a Luce Scholarship to work with the World Wide Fund for Nature on sustainable development in Indochina.

The Citizen's United Decision

Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 12:10pm

Location 100 HH

The Supreme Court recently held that the First Amendment protects corporate political speech in a decision which may have strong implications for future campaigns and may elicit a response from Congress. Bradley Smith of the Center for Competitive Politics, which filed a brief supporting invalidating campaign finance restrictions, and Angela Migally of the Brennan Center for Justice, which filed a brief opposing changes, will discuss the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision and its implications.

Michigan Law School's Innocence Clinic

Tuesday, February 16th at 12:15 PM

Location 220 HH

The Michigan Innocence Clinic works to exonerate wrongly convicted prisoners in cases in which there is no DNA evidence available. So far the clinic has freed four prisoners and is pursuing several other cases. Clinic co-founders David Moran and Bridget McCormack will discuss the clinic’s work as will former clinic student Maria Jhai who uncovered key evidence in the effort to free one clinic client.

CLINIC MEDIA COVERAGE

• Key murder witness: Cops fed me testimony
  - Detroit Free Press, Dec. 16, 2009
• Greater signifcance of Provience, innocence movement
  - Time, Nov. 4, 2009
• Clinic wins motion for relief from judgment on behalf of Dwayne Provience
  - Michigan Radio, Nov. 3, 2009
• DeShawn, Marvin Reed set free
  - ClickOn Detroit, July 31, 2009
• DeShawn, Marvin Reed backstory
  - Detroit Metro Times, June 4, 2008

Changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act

Thursday, January 28th, 2010 - 12:15 - 1:15 PM

120 Hutchins Hall

A 2008 amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act altered the three-prong test the statute used to define "disability" and substantially expanded the scope of the act's protection. Emily Benfer, teaching fellow at Georgetown University Law School, and Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Legal Director at Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law will discuss the changes. Lunch will be served! Click here to read Emily Benfer's issue brief at ACS National's website.

ACS/ACLU Bar Night!

Friday, January 29th, 2010 -- 5pm - 7pm

Location: The Blue Leprechaun

We're progessive, they'e progressive. We love the Blue Lep, they love the Blue Lep. This one is a no-brainer.

Forensic Science Reform

Tuesday, December 1, 12:20 pm

Location 218 HH

Professor David Moran will discuss the problems in forensic science and how they lead to wrongful convictions.

Life as a Plaintiff's Employment Lawyer

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Location 218 HH

Dan Swanson of Sommers Schwartz will be speaking about his career as a Plaintiff's Employment lawyer. He will talk about his career path and interesting cases he has worked on.

Public Interest Job Night

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 - 6:30pm

Location: 120 Hutchins Hall

Join APALSA, ACS, OPIS, LLSA & Outlaws for a night of tips and tricks for landing your ideal public interest summer job. Panels will address the following areas: Criminal Law, Employment/Labor Law, International Human Rights Law, Immigration Law, Family Law, Housing/Legal Aid, Civil Rights, Environmental Law, Government Work

The Loss of Law as a Profession

Thursday, November 12th, 2009 - 12:20pm - 1:20pm

Location: 138 Hutchins Hall

David Nacht, of Nacht & Associates, will discuss how law has morphed from a profession into a business. Nacht contends that the typical good law student ends up less like Atticus Finch and more like Gordon Gekko.

In Living Culture

Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Location: Mendelssohn Theater, Michigan League

Featuring performances by all co-sponsoring organizations, including dancing, singing, poetry and more, all by your law school classmates! Also featuring guest act Dance 2XS, the Michigan chapter of the international hip hop company. Including special appearances by Headnotes and TJ Hooper and the Learned Hands. Hosted by Julie Milligan (1L), Matt Budow (2L), Alysha Rooks (3L), and Quentin Smith (3L). Tickets will be on sale in front of HH100 from Wednesday 11/4 - Friday 11/6, 11:30am-1:30pm. Tickets are $5, with ALL PROCEEDS benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor. Doors will open at 6:30pm.

Lasting Harms of a Torture Regime

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 - 12:15pm - 1:15pm

Location: 250 Hutchins Hall

Cohosting with ACLU, ACS is proud to welcome Ben Wizner, Staff Attorney on the ACLU National Security Project, and counsel for the plaintiff in Mohammed v. Jeppesen, a case about Boeing's knowing involvement with extraordinary rendition practices. He will speak about the case and the lasting effects of torture regimes generally. Come hear about one of the worst affronts to civil liberties in the history of our country.

Supreme Court Roundup

Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 12:20pm

Location: 250 HH

The American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society will jointly host the Supreme Court Roundup! Hosted by Dean Baum, the event will discuss cases in the Supreme Court's upcoming term. Speakers include professors Richard Friedman, Joan Larsen and Julian Mortenson.

A Career as A Public Defender

Time: Monday, October 26, 2009 at 12:20pm

Location: 218 HH

Val Newman of the State Appellate Defender Office, and Kim Thomas (clinical professor here) and formerly of the Philadelphia Public Defenders office will discuss their careers and answer students questions.

Voting Rights Discussion with Dan Tokaji and Marcia Johnson-Blanco

Time: Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 from 12:15pm to 1:15pm

Location: 218 HH

Come hear two experts on the subject of voting rights discuss Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, renewed in 2006 after much debate, and specifically the case of NAMUDNO v. Holder, heard by the Supreme Court this past term. This promises to be a fascinating discussion for all those interested in election law and civil rights. Co-sponsored by MELP, ACLU and APALSA

Diversity Efforts in the Legal Profession

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Location 150 Hutchins

ACS is proud to co-host a talk by Sandra Yamate, Former Director of the American Bar Association's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity. Ms. Yamate is a lawyer who has been in the forefront of the legal profession's efforts to become more diverse. A Harvard Law School graduate, she was the Chief Diversity and Marketing Officer for Discovery Services LLC and was the first Executive Director of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms and previously was a litigator in private practice.

Human Trafficking in the U.S.

Monday, October 5, 2009 - 12:30pm

Location: 150 HH

Professor Carr's talk will focus on child trafficking for purposes of sexual slavery and household slavery. Professor Carr will focus on trafficking into the U.S. but will give a brief description of trafficking of children in other countries if she has time at the end.

Come by on October 5 and learn how trafficking works: where are the kids coming from, where are they going in the U.S., who is doing it, and how are they prosecuted in the U.S.

Life as a Federal

Prosecutor

Thursday, September 24, 2009

218 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 - 1:20 pm

ACS will host Barb McQuade (AUSA for Eastern District of Michigan) as she speaks about life as a Federal Prosecutor. McQuade was recently recommended to President Obama for the U.S. attorney's post in the eastern district by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing. McQuade is a University of Michigan Law School graduate and previously worked in private law practice and as a law clerk to the Bernard Friedman, U.S. District Court judge in the eastern district.
Lunch will be served!

ACS/ACLU Bar Night!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Dominicks, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

We're progessive, they'e progressive. We love Dominicks, they love Dominicks. This one is a no-brainer.

General Body Meeting

Monday, September 14, 2009
220 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 pm

We discussed our upcoming membership drive as well as the our upcoming election and the board positions that will be available. In short, the positions available for election are:

• 1L Representative
• Technology Co-chair
• Speaker Chair
• Secretary
• Membership Chair

Note: you are free to run for more than one position, if you are so inclined! Good luck!

Keeping Faith with

the Constitution

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

236 Hutchins Hall, 12:20 p.m.

ACS hosted a web-based simulcast from UC Berkeley School of Law on the Constitution and methods of interpretation that apply the text and broad principles to the changing needs and conditions of our society.
Speakers included:

• Dr. John C. Eastman, Chapman University School of Law;
• Pamela S. Karlan, Stanford Law School;
• The Honorable William A. Fletcher, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit;
• and Moderator, Richard T. Ford, Stanford Law School.

Evening Social

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Blue Leprechaun (1220 S.University Ave), 6:30-8 PM

ACS provided appetizers at the Blue Leprechaun and information about having lunch with Professor Scott Hershovitz on ACS's dime. Members provided interesting conversation about the Constitution and Rich-Rod's genius.

Welcome Back!

We finished last year fast

and we're starting this year faster

Michigan ACS capped off 2008-09 by winning the Chapter of the Year award at the ACS National Convention in Washington. This year we have a slate of great events in the works and plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Check back here for details throughout the year.

Chapter of the Year!

Michigan Law ACS chapter wins the

Chapter of the Year award at the

2009 National Convention in Washington D.C.

Over the past year the University of Michigan ACS chapter brought together an Assistant United States Attorney and a State Appellate Defender, co-hosted the popular Supreme Court Roundup with the Federalist Society, and was a first-round site for Constance Baker Motley National Moot Court. At the 2009 Natinoal Convention in Washington D.C. those efforts were recognized by ACS National as the University of Michigan won the Chapter of the Year as well as a Network Building Award for Special Recognition of Programming.

2008 - 2009 Events

2007 - 2008 Events

2006 - 2007 Events

2005 - 2006 Events

National Web Events