What’s on Tap: The Final Lap!
Tomorrow is my last ‘first day of school’ and I’m pretty much in denial about it ✌️
First, can we talk about where the month of January went??? In my head we’re still hovering somewhere around early to mid-December 2021. Second, what about the last five semesters?! I truly don’t feel like I’ve spent that much time in law school (and yet, if you’d asked how I felt halfway through any given semester, I’d have said “this is taking forever!”).
But fast or slow, the time has certainly gone by. We’re officially on the last “What’s on Tap” post of Legally Blonde AF!
FEDERAL COURTS & THE FEDERAL SYSTEM
Mon, Tues & Wed, 10:45am - 12:25pm, 5 credits
Course Catalog Description: This course studies the role of the federal courts in the federal system. Topics covered will include the case or controversy requirement and justiciability, congressional authority to regulate the jurisdiction of the federal courts, federal habeas corpus, advanced Erie issues, federal common law, and sovereign immunity.
Why I took it: Is “my friends made me” a bad answer? Because it’s partly true 😬 Fed courts is one of the classics that most 3Ls take during their last semester of law school. As the 5 credits indicate, it’s a tough one (and usually prompts lots of crying/half-hearted fighting of senioritis) but it’s helpful for anyone planning to practice in/around federal courts (me!). I also chose this specific course over several others because of the professor. I’ve interacted with him a few times/read several things he’s written and really appreciate his straightforward, no nonsense communication style. I’ve learned I respond well to that!
MILITARY LAW & JUSTICE
Friday, 10:30am - 12:30pm, 2 credits
Course Catalog Description (abridged): This seminar will examine constitutional issues in the context of the U.S. military justice system. To that end, students will become familiar with the constitutional and statutory framework establishing that system as well as case law from federal courts analyzing the legal issues that arise from its operation. Over the course of the semester we will examine issues related to the position of an Article I court within the federal system, particularly jurisdiction, as well as areas of constitutional law such as aspects of criminal procedure, Due Process, and First Amendment jurisprudence, albeit in the military context. Finally, while a military background is not necessary to fully engage with the course material, we will examine some issues unique to the military justice system.
Why I took it: So many reasons!!! First, military law is my future for, well, the foreseeable future as a JAG. Second, it’s taught by one former judge and one former judge on the Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces (C.A.A.F. for short - the highest military court). Third, I was desperate to take a class on Fridays…nah, just kidding. The Friday thing isn’t ideal. But I’ve been waiting to take this course since 1L (it wasn’t offered virtually last year and both professors are traveling) so I’m ecstatic to have the chance!
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE: DEFENSE PRACTICE
Advanced Clinical, 12 hrs per week (minimum), 3 credits
Course Catalog Description (abridged): Students will examine the nature, functions, dynamics, and ethics of such tasks as interviewing, investigation, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, argument, and other aspects of criminal defense advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom. The class component will attempt to develop a variety of operational and ethical frameworks within which students can understand and evaluate their practice experience.
Students can expect to represent clients on criminal and juvenile delinquency cases in the local courts. In the course of representing clients, students may be required to visit correctional institutions, provide representation to minors in school disciplinary hearings, or represent adult clients in appellate or other post-conviction legal proceedings. Students will be responsible for providing complete legal representation to their clients and will receive one-to-one supervision and individual critique of their courtroom work, and participate in regular group sessions with their supervisor.
Why I took it: This is an extension of the defense clinic I took during the fall, so I’m continuing on with (most) of my same clients and cases. If you’ve read blogs from last semester, you know this clinic has been an immensely challenging and invaluable experience! I continued the clinic because I felt very strongly about “finishing what I started” with my clients. In most cases, I can’t close their cases completely before I graduate (court proceedings take a loooooooooooong time) but I wanted to do as much as I could before May rolls around.
Overall I am really, really looking forward to this final lap. I have friends in all my classes, the professors are incredible, and this may be the most “JAG-applicable” semester of legal education to date. And as a ‘treat yoself’ to myself, I’m taking 10 credits on the nose - the minimum for any given semester. I’ve always taken more but (1) I know my clinic is going to be > 3 credits of work (speaking from experience!) and (2) it’s my last semester man. This is the only time I’ll live in Boston, with these friends, without a full-time job. Can’t wait to get after it!
