I haven't posted much lately, and will not likely do much blogging for the next few weeks. I have 4 finals to study for as well as finishing up at least one more weeks worth of homework. Also, with my wife moving out here in Sept I am busy looking for a place to live in what little free time I do have.
so cross your fingers for me, finals in 3 weeks, the the frantic help-wife-and-dogs move across the country during the break. I'll try to pipe in if anything interesting happens, but otherwise there will likely be a hiatus for the next month or so.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Moot Court
As promised, although this is a week late, a short note about the Moot Court competition from last weekend.
It was, all told, very interesting. Two "advocates" for each side appear before a panel of judges, simulating oral argument before the US Supreme Court. They are given a State Supreme Court opinion explaining their holding for one side, and a Court of Appeals opinion reversing. In those opinions are all the relevant facts and case law cited for each side. Much like academic debate, the participants are expected to be prepared to argue both sides.
This was a fourth amendment issue involving both probable cause (to make an arrest) and reasonable suspicion (to search a nearby airplane hangar).
The first day I watched two rounds and for the most part the competitors were OK but clearly not the cream of the crop. I know it's very difficult to stand up and make arguments off the cuff, especially when questioned directly, often being interrupted in the middle of an argument. However, the second day I was able to see the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the level of skill rose dramatically.
Anyway, as someone who would love to argue in front of an appellate court someday, this looks like a blast. Good speaking ability and the moxie to answer questions smoothly and not lose a beat are crucial. I won't get to do this until at least my third term, but I am looking forward to giving it a shot.
It was, all told, very interesting. Two "advocates" for each side appear before a panel of judges, simulating oral argument before the US Supreme Court. They are given a State Supreme Court opinion explaining their holding for one side, and a Court of Appeals opinion reversing. In those opinions are all the relevant facts and case law cited for each side. Much like academic debate, the participants are expected to be prepared to argue both sides.
This was a fourth amendment issue involving both probable cause (to make an arrest) and reasonable suspicion (to search a nearby airplane hangar).
The first day I watched two rounds and for the most part the competitors were OK but clearly not the cream of the crop. I know it's very difficult to stand up and make arguments off the cuff, especially when questioned directly, often being interrupted in the middle of an argument. However, the second day I was able to see the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the level of skill rose dramatically.
Anyway, as someone who would love to argue in front of an appellate court someday, this looks like a blast. Good speaking ability and the moxie to answer questions smoothly and not lose a beat are crucial. I won't get to do this until at least my third term, but I am looking forward to giving it a shot.
Friday, July 07, 2006
another update
I know it's been awhile again since I've posted anything. I don't have much of an excuse this time, except that I just haven't been inspired to write. It's hot as hell here, and humid too, and my air conditioner only barely works. Quite an effective way to sap the energy.
The only news here is that I'll be a bailiff this weekend at the Moot Court competition. A decent description of what moot court is, from Wikipedia, can be found here. I'll be sure to report back on Monday and let you know how that went.
Two weeks ago I took a practice exam, and will be meeting on Monday with an advisor to go over it. I haven't seen the score yet, but I will find out on Monday.
Other than that, we have just 4 more weeks of instruction until review week, then finals. 6 more weeks of the term left. Time is flying by, but it's been quite fun so far.
Cheers!
The only news here is that I'll be a bailiff this weekend at the Moot Court competition. A decent description of what moot court is, from Wikipedia, can be found here. I'll be sure to report back on Monday and let you know how that went.
Two weeks ago I took a practice exam, and will be meeting on Monday with an advisor to go over it. I haven't seen the score yet, but I will find out on Monday.
Other than that, we have just 4 more weeks of instruction until review week, then finals. 6 more weeks of the term left. Time is flying by, but it's been quite fun so far.
Cheers!
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