Professor Clare Ryan’s article Are Children’s Rights Enough? has been accepted for publication in American University Law Review. Read about the forthcoming piece on SSRN.
Four faculty members of the University of Alabama School of Law gave presentations at the Law & Society Association Annual Meeting, held from June 1-4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Separate and Unequal,” referring to the United States’ “doctrine of territorial incorporation,” or the constitutional doctrine that allows the U.S. to claim foreign territories as their own without making them a part of the U.S., such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, which allows for discrepancies between the laws and policies upheld in the U.S. versus in its territories. Participants were asked to “reflect on the ways that the law normalizes discrimination and inequalities in unincorporated territories” and “how this year’s theme can become a lens to understand other relationships of power and visions of the relationship between law and society.”
Professor Russell Gold with his fellow panelists, Kay Levine, Nirej Sekhot, Eve Brensike Primus, Sara Mayeux, and Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe.
To kick things off, Professor Russell Gold, with his co-author, Kay Levine, Professor at Emory University School of Law, presented their paper The Public Voice of the Defender on Thursday, June 1, during the “Rethinking Public Defense” session. The presentation was focused on the necessity of public defenders to “develop a public voice to supplement their courtroom advocacy.” Click here to read The Public Voice of the Defender.
Later Thursday afternoon, Professor Mirit Eyal-Cohen presented her paper, Taxing Artificial Inventiveness, during the “Taxation of Labor and Business” session. The presentation was focused on the question of revenue loss due to an increased usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, and asks whether we should tax AI, and at what stage of the automation process. Click here to read Taxing Artificial Inventiveness.
Professor Eyal-Cohen also served as the Chair/Discussant for the “Tax Advocacy & Tax Justice” session on Friday, June 2. The session consisted of presentations that examined tax lawyers and the larger issues facing them, as well as “the role that tax law plays in lawyers’ actions and influencing their decisions.” Click here to read more.
On Saturday, June 3, Professor Julie Hill presented her paper, From Cannabis to Crypto: Federal Reserve Discretion in Payments, during the “Corporations and Their Shareholders” section. Professor Hill discussed the Federal Reserve’s recent efforts to keep a cannabis credit union, a narrow bank, and a crypto currency custody bank from connecting to payment systems in the United States. Click here to read From Cannabis to Crypto: Federal Reserve Discretion in Payments.
To round out the weekend, Professor Montré Carodine presented her paper, Testi-lying and Rule 609, during the “Addressing Bias in Evidence Rule 609’s Use of Prior Convictions for Impeachment and Questioning ‘Credibility’ Assessments of Witnesses Generally” section on Sunday, June 4. Professor Carodine discussed the need to de-normalize the practice of police officers “lying and manufacturing evidence” in criminal cases. Click here to read more.
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Professor Joyce Vance was quoted in an article from The New York Times regarding Fulton County, Ga. District Attorney Fani Willis’ potential charges against former President Trump for his alleged interference in the 2020 election result in Georgia.
The case against Trump, if it goes forward, will have a high burden of proof. “Proof of knowledge and intent is particularly difficult in cases like this,” Vance said. “It makes sense that DA Willis would be searching for all of the evidence she can get to determine whether what she has is sufficient before she can make a final decision about who [or] what to indict.” Willis has indicated she will seek indictments in August. Click here to read more. |
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Professor Paul Horwitz, Gordon Rosen Professor of Law, was cited in a recent opinion from the Supreme Court of Canada regarding freedom of expression and defamation. Click here to read more: https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/19911/index.do. |
The University of Alabama School of Law, with Columbia University School of Law, co-sponsored “A Conversation on Disinformation and Democracy” from Columbia Global Freedom of Expression on April 27, 2023, in New York City.
The mission of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression is to “contribute to the development of an integrated and progressive jurisprudence and understanding on freedom of expression and information around the world.” Professor Ronald Krotoszynski, a noted first amendment scholar, presented Disinformation, Misinformation, and Democracy: Defining the Problem, Identifying Effective Solutions, and the Potential Merits of Using a Comparative Legal Approach and served on the “Defining the Problem and the Government’s Potential Role in Combatting Disinformation and Misinformation” panel at the event.
Learn more about the event and Global Freedom of Expression, and watch a recording of the event here: https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/events/a-conversation-on-disinformation-and-democracy/.
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Professor Luke Herrine was featured in a NerdWallet article on the future of President Joe Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness plan, and possible next steps if the plan is blocked by the Supreme Court in their decision expected late next month. Read the full article here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/if-scotus-blocks-student-debt-relief-1965-law-could-be-plan-b. |
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Professor Julie Hill was interviewed on an episode of Marketplace, which aired on radio stations nationwide in addition to streaming on podcast platforms. In the segment about recent bank failures, Hill comments on the possibility of banks moving toward narrow banking and the potential repercussions of that shift. Click here to read and listen to the full story. |
From “Which law schools have the best and worst debt-to-income ratios among recent law school graduates? 2023 update” by D.T. Muller (May 2, 2023).
The University of Alabama School of Law ranked fourth in debt-to-income ratio among public law schools, and eighth overall, according to data compiled by the United States Department of Education. Information was collected from 185 American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools across the U.S. regarding average earnings and average debt among recent graduates.
The rankings were published by Derek T. Muller, Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. The rankings were calculated from the information on the average amount of debt a student incurs during law school compared to their earnings upon graduation to get a ratio – the lower the ratio, the higher the ranking.
Practically, this means that the percentage of debt incurred by graduates of Alabama Law compared to their income is, on average, lower than that of graduates from most other law schools. This can have a profound effect on future finances, quality of life, and career options.
“A low debt load certainly matters to our students,” Assistant Dean of Students Anita Kay Head said. “Entering the workforce with less debt means that graduates are freer to take jobs that align with their passions and goals.”
To that end, Alabama Law’s prioritization of the development of a diverse offering of Law Clinics and commitment to each student’s opportunity to participate in at least one clinic during their tenure, as well as the efforts of the Public Interest Institute and Career Services Office, has cultivated a culture that celebrates a student’s decision to pursue the career they are most interested in. This becomes more possible when students know that they will graduate with a manageable debt load.
Throughout its history, Alabama Law has been committed to ensuring students graduate with the least amount of debt possible, as reflected in Muller’s rankings. “I’m proud that our law school prioritizes a low debt load for our students,” Dean Head continued. “As a public law school, we are fulfilling our mission when we make high-quality legal education affordable.”
To learn more about Muller’s debt-to-income rankings and his calculation process, visit: https://excessofdemocracy.com/blog/2023/5/which-law-schools-have-the-best-and-worst-debt-to-income-ratios-among-recent-law-school-graduates-2023-update.
About Alabama Law
For more than 150 years, the University of Alabama School of Law has produced attorneys who become leaders locally, nationally, and globally. Alabama Law provides a top-rate education that produces enviable bar passage and employment rates, all within a supportive and diverse environment. Our low student-to-faculty ratio, paired with robust curricular offerings, draws students to study under faculty who are skilled teachers as well as leading scholars.
At the conclusion of the Alabama Law 50 | 150 Anniversaries year-long commemorative celebration, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System, the School of Law, and the 50th Anniversary Executive Committee and Advisory Board are proud to introduce plans to raise funds to build the Path Makers Legacy Plaza in honor of the first Black graduates at Alabama Law, including Michael Anthony Figures, Booker T. Forte, Jr., and Ronald E. Jackson. Learn more about the historical context of their story by watching this video introducing the 50th Anniversary commemoration.
Housed just outside the windows of the Bounds Law Library, and anchored by three prominent arches—each honoring the first three Black graduates at Alabama Law—this $1.5 million Plaza will be an ADA-accessible outdoor space where students can gather for study, reflection, and collegiality; faculty can hold classes; and the Law School can host events for alumni, visiting scholars, and friends in the community.
The Path Makers Legacy Plaza was initially introduced as a part of the 50th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy Fundraising Event hosted at the School of Law on Friday, April 21. The Gala program included artistic performances, reflections, and stories from students and alumni of the School of Law.
To offer financial support for the Path Makers Legacy Plaza, please contact the Law School’s Advancement office via phone: 205-348-5752 or reach out directly to one of our development officers below:
Caroline Strawbridge
205-348-4191
OR
Jason Wear
205-348-8272
Donor Recognition Opportunities For the Path Makers Legacy Plaza:
Plaza Stage (Naming Opportunity): $500,000 (1 available)
Commemorative Arch Pillars:$150,000 (6 available)
Plaza Columns:$50,000 (6 available)
Gallery Level: $25,000 (6 available)
Large Planter: $20,000 (1 available)
Small Planter: $10,000 (1 available)
Individual Chair: $5,000 (100 available)
*Gifts of any size may be pledged up to five years.
In addition to raising funds for the Path Makers Legacy Plaza, the 50th Anniversary Executive Committee and the School of Law are seeking to raise an additional $500,000 to endow a full-tuition scholarship in support of future students of color at Alabama Law. To contribute to this fund, contact either of the development officers above.
On Friday, April 21, the School of Law hosted the 50th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy Fundraising Event in honor of the first Black graduates at Alabama Law including Michael Anthony Figures, Booker T. Forte, Jr., and Ronald E. Jackson. At the event, the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System and the School of Law introduced plans to raise funds to build the Path Makers Legacy Plaza in honor of the first Black Graduates. Read more about the Path Makers Legacy Plaza here.
The Gala program included artistic performances, reflections, and stories from students and alumni of the School of Law. View recordings below. Images of the evening are available here.
Welcome
Vanessa Leonard, Class of 1994 and member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System, welcomed attendees to the Gala and reflected on what this Anniversary means to her.
Introducing The 50th Anniversary Gala
Video Narrated by Crystal Armstrong (Class of 2023)
Alumni Reflection
The Honorable John H. England, Jr. (Class of 1974) started law school in 1969 at Alabama Law. However, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served for two years as a military policeman. Following his service, he returned to Alabama Law to complete his J.D. in 1974. Listen to his remarks below.
Original Poetry Reading: Mater Dolorosa
Written & Presented by Kwamena Blankson (Class of 2000), Poet-in-Residence at Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet
Introduced by Professor Anil Mujumar (Class of 2000), Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Assistant Professor of Law in Residence
View the full text of the poem: Mater Dolorosa by Kwamena Blankson.
Alumni Reflection
Kenneth Simon (Class of 1979), a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System, shares his stories and reflections.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Performed by Jada Gotay (First-year Law Student)
Planting Seeds of Hope
Tyger Quarles (First-year Law Student)
If You Could Only See (The Future You’ve Made Possible for Me)
A Letter Written & Read by Kyra Perkins (Class of 2023). Read the full text of the letter: If You Could Only See (the Future You’ve Made Possible for Me).
There is Much Left To Do: Introducing the Path Makers Legacy Plaza
Elizabeth H. Huntley (Class of 1997), Co-Chari, The 50th Anniversary Executive Committee
Read more about the Path Makers Legacy Plaza here.
