University of Richmond School of Law 2009-10 season examines “Why Law Matters: Justice, Politics and Public Policy”
September 10, 2009
Controversial public policy issues that affect our everyday lives will be the focus of the 2009–10 University of Richmond School of Law series, “Why Law Matters.” Experts on family law, domestic violence, abortion, the health care debate, the environment, technology and the constitution will participate in panels and discussions with students and faculty.
With this dynamic schedule, Richmond Law is at the forefront of current legal and policy debates. Most events are free and open to the public and will be held at Richmond Law’s Moot Court Room, unless otherwise noted.
The opening conference on the State of the Family brings together attorneys and policy makers from around the country to examine social policies affecting families.
Sept. 13–15: State of the Family 2009* -The National Center for Family Law at the University of Richmond School of Law and Virginia CLE present their annual conference for family law practitioners, judges, professors, mental health professionals and others interested in the law and social policies impacting families and children. The program qualifies for 14.0 MCLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credits. Registration is required. See vacle.org/php-bin/ecomm4/products.php?product_id=2229.* This event will be held at the Jepson Alumni Center, University of Richmond.
Other programs include:
Oct. 16, 2-5 p.m.: What Have We Learned? A Reality-Based Approach to Addressing Domestic Violence through the Law. Diane Rosenfeld, lecturer at Harvard Law School, and other experts will discuss progressive legal initiatives to better and more realistically address the persistent social problem of domestic violence. This program is sponsored by the University of Richmond Journal of Law and the Public Interest and is the University of Richmond School of Law’s 16th Annual Austin Owen Lecture.
Oct. 21, noon: The Domestic Gag Rule in Today’s Abortion Debate. Experts debate the implications of the domestic gag rule prohibiting family planning clinics from referring patients for abortion or suffer the loss of Title X funding. Sponsored by the University of Richmond School of Law’s American Constitution Society, Federalist Society, Law Students for Life and Law Students for Reproductive Justice.
Nov. 4, 4–6 p.m. Ending the Welfare State and Medical Socialism. Lecture by Walter Block, Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Chair in Economics and professor of economics, Loyola University, New Orleans. Sponsored by the University of Richmond Federalist Society.
Feb. 4, 4–6 p.m. Rule of Law and Wealth Creation. Lecture by The Hon. Edith Jones, judge for the United States Circuit Court, Fifth Circuit. Sponsored by the University of Richmond Federalist Society.
Feb. 26, 4–7 p.m. A Collision of Authority: The U.S. Constitution and International Jurisdiction. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean, University of California, Irvine, and other experts discuss treaty law, domestic legislation and potential international liability of U.S. officials. Sponsored by the Journal of Global Law and Business.
March 24, 3–5 p.m. The Will of the People: Judicial Power and Constitutional Meaning. Presentation by Barry Friedman, vice dean and Jacob D. Fuchsberg Professor of Law, New York University School of Law, on the release of his new book, “The Will of the People: Judicial Power and Constitutional Meaning,” with commentary on Supreme Court decision making and popular opinion from historical, political science and legal perspectives.
March 25, 2–5 p.m. Criminal Law and Technology. Sponsored by the Richmond Journal of Law and Technology.
April 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Envisioning Energy: Environment, Economics and the Energy Future.* Energy is the biggest environmental challenge of our time. This conference will bring together policymakers, academics and activists to explore the links between energy systems, climate change and emerging markets in environmental services. Co-sponsored by the Robert R. Merhige Center for Environment Studies, the University of Richmond Law Review, and the Virginia State Bar, Environmental Law Section. For more information see law.richmond.edu/merhige.* This event will be held at the Jepson Alumni Center, University of Richmond.
Media Contacts:
Roberta Oster Sachs
Associate Dean for External Relations
E-mail: rsachs@richmond.edu
Programming questions:
Kris Henderson
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
E-mail: khender3@richmond.edu
Linda Evans
Assistant Director of Media and P.R.
E-mail: levans2@richmond.edu
804-289-8056