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2007 The Advocate (Vol. 4, Issue 9)

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Copyright c 2007 by the authors. This article is brought to you by the William & Mary Law School Scholarship Repository. https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/newspapers The Advocate VOLUME IV, ISSUE NINE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 WILLIAM & MARY SCHOOL OF LAW

William and Mary Law students (left to right) Crystal Bailey (1L), Nathalie Fassie (3L), and Aida Carini (2L) competed in the 2007 Miss Wil- liamsburg pageant. Pageant photos courtesy Julius Tolentino. Three Law Students Compete for Miss Wil- liamsburg Title; Third Year Fassie Wins Crown

by Tiffany Walden three-hour competition of more work involved in planning a Juicy and European studies, did not find Staff Writer than fifteen competitors, Nathalie Couture-themed birthday party. the practice all that time consum- walked away with the title of Miss After the onstage interview, ing. “I manage my time well, and On Feb. 17, a Saturday night, Williamsburg. contestants demonstrated their I dance two to three days with an more than twenty law students The theme for the night was physical fitness in a swimsuit undergrad dance troupe, so this shuffled into the Bruton High “Amer-I-can,” a cliché for beauty competition. The girls all looked wasn’t anything too different than School auditorium. No, the Green pageants, but a cliché for a reason. fantastic, and did not seem the what I am used to,” she said. Leafe had not moved for the night. There is nothing controversial list bit nervous about walking in Crystal also danced; she per- Instead, these law students were about being patriotic, and with stiletto heels and bikinis. One formed a modern dance complete supporting three of their peers the Miss USA scandal providing audience member had a more in- with a mid-routine costume change! who were competing for the title a negative perception about the trospective thought on the swimsuit of Miss Williamsburg with hopes whole pageant industry, it’s okay to competition: “I think that the real Continued on page 2 of becoming Miss Virginia and per- be a little cliché. The contestants, in turning point in the pageant was INSIDE haps Miss America. Each class was short white dresses, did an opening the swimsuit competition. It re- represented by a contestant: Crys- number and introductions. Aged ally summed up what the pageant Starting Your Own Law Prac- tal Bailey (1L), Aida Carini (2L), 17 to 24, a few competitors were was all about: not superficiality, tice...... 5 and Nathalie Fassie (3L). Support still in high school, while others but the inner beauty of each of the for the girls was plentiful. Doing had come home from college for participants.” PSF Stories...... 6 anything non-law-related while in the weekend in order to compete. Although beauty is important to law school seems almost impos- The on-stage interview provided win the title of Miss Williamsburg, PSF B-law-gs...... 10 sible, but the Miss Williamsburg insight into the contestants and a the competitors really distinguished contestants managed to find time bit of entertainment as well. Some themselves during the talent por- Canadian Bacon...... 13 to practice their talents, work their of the less articulate contestants tion. Nathalie did a pointe dance interviewing skills, select evening admitted to trying to “help people to “Ain’t No Sunshine.” When dis- A Letter from the Chief Jus- gowns, and brave the dreaded achieve their goals, even if they’re cussing her preparation, Nathalie, tice...... 15 swimsuit competition. After a not good at them” and explained the who earned a double major in dance News 2 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 From Killer Sonar to Killer Plants. . . ELPR Symposium Covers it All by Tara St. Angelo Staff Writer

William & Mary’s Environ- mental Law and Policy Review brought together military person- nel, scholars, and practitioners for their 2007 symposium entitled “Mission Impossible?: The Com- patibility of Military and Environ- mental Goals.” The law school’s Prof. Ron Rosenberg opened the day’s lec- tures with the question, “To what extent should environmental norms be adjusted to meet the needs of the military and vice versa?” Alex ELPR board members and speakers pose for a photo after the symposium. Photo courtesy Nora Garcia. Beechler, the Assistant Deputy under the Secretary of Defense lectures was the lively debate be- fight, and they defend themselves School and Carolyn White, Senior for Environmental Safety and Oc- tween Thomas Ledvina, Associate against submarine attacks by using Environmental Counsel for the Air cupational Health, gave the keynote General Counsel for the U.S. Navy, sonar. Reynolds has fought numer- Force, lectured about the military’s address, which focused on the and Joel Reynolds, the Director of ous legal battles with the Navy over use of Brownfields and the cleanup positive thought that military goals Mammal Protection for the Natural the use of sonar and has reached of old military sites. are compatible with environmental Resources Defense Council, over many compromises. Reynolds James Van Ness, Associate goals. He explained by quoting whether military sonar testing noted that it is unquestionable that General Counsel in the Office of the Aldo Leopold: “Those who take harms marine cetaceans. Ledvina sonar contributes to increasing the Deputy General Counsel for Envi- care of the land are those closest insisted that out of the over 3,500 number of beached whales but that ronmental and Installations in the to it.” He noted that the military whales that beach themselves each the mechanism is unknown. Department of Defense, and Corry trains on the land and that they must year, only five can be attributed to Professors Robert Percival Westbrook of the National Wildlife train in natural conditions. sonar. Ledvina further argued that and Marcilynn Burke of the Uni- Federation, spoke of the military’s The highlight of the morning’s the military must train the way they versity of Maryland Law School efforts and need to maintain bio- and University of Houston Law diversity. Westbrook in particular The Advocate School, respectively, opened the spoke about how invasive plant afternoon lectures by addressing species hinder military activities "Complete and objective reporting of student news and opinion" the topics of military compliance by infesting training fields and with environmental laws. Percival increasing the severity of fires on Editor-in-Chief: William Y. Durbin Editorial Policy focused on the uniqueness of the military installations. News Editors: Kelly J. Pereira The letters and opinion pages of American military in that it is The wide variety of views on Jennifer Stanley one of the world’s few militaries the topic of environmental regula- Copy Editor: Kate Yashinski The Advocate are dedicated to all Features Editors: Alan Kennedy-Shaffer student opinion regardless of form that is subject to environmental tions as they apply to the military regulations. Joel Eisen of the Mike Kourabas or content. The Advocate reserves made it clear that cooperation is a Asim Modi University of Richmond Law mission possible. Business Manager: Tara St. Angelo the right to edit for spelling and Layout Editor: Myriem Seabron grammar, but not content. Photographer: Joelle Laszlo Pagent, continued from cover on. It was amazing to see so many Ad & Collage Design: Tara St. Angelo Letters to the Editor and opinion people there supporting me, and I Cartoonist: Carolyn Fiddler articles may not necessarily reflect Aida, dressed in a black evening seriously could not have done it Staff Writers: the opinion of the newspaper or gown, sang. Other contestants without all of them.” It was Aida’s Sarah Abshear Alan Kennedy-Shaffer its staff. All letters to the Editor danced, and many also sang. An- first pageant and Nathalie’s second David Bules Mike Kourabas should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Matt Dobbie Joelle Laszlo other played the piano, and one year competing in the Miss America William Y. Durbin Kelly J. Pereira the Thursday prior to publication. did an interesting performance: a preliminaries. Crystal had partici- Aaron C. Garrett- Tara St. Angelo The Advocate will not print a dramatic monologue acting as one pated in other pageants before, but Meghan Horn Tiffany Walden letter without confirmation of the of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters. all the girls enjoyed the experience. Contributors: Bryan Thompson author's name. We may, however, Before the winners were even And if you win Miss Virginia the Wes Allen Amy Wallas Rob Thomas Leondras Webster withhold the name on request. Let- announced Aida already knew scholarship money isn’t bad either. Address Correspondence To: ters over 500 words may be returned what she would remember once As for the $2,000 Nathalie won: The Advocate to the writer with a request that the pageant was over: “The best “It’ll go to help pay for my bar William & Mary School of Law P. O. Box 8795 the letter be edited for the sake of part of the pageant was looking review course,” she said. She may Williamsburg, Virginia 23187 space. out from the stage and seeing three be Miss Williamsburg, but first she (757) 221-3582 rows of law students cheering me is a law student. News THE ADVOCATE 3 Debate v. Dialogue Ambiguous Community by Meghan Horn ing dialogue about controversial Sentiment About Child Staff Writer issues as a means of preventing future vandalism or hate speech. After one proposal that smaller Welfare Agencies group discussions would perhaps were not involved enough in the by Kelly Pereira On Feb. 20, the Student Bar As- make individuals more comfort- neighborhood. News Editor sociation sponsored an open forum able voicing unpopular opinions, One trend that Roberts took entitled “Debate Versus Dialogue: it was proposed that, after larger particular interest in was the rise Finding Common Ground.” The lectures, small breakout sessions be of kinship care. The number of Christian Law Society (CLS), the held to discuss the topic. Another On Feb. 12, Prof. Dorothy Rob- foster children living with relatives Black Law Students Association proposal was a public posting board erts of Northwestern Law, as this has grown in most states. In fact, (BLSA), and the Lesbian and Gay whereby individuals would be able year’s Wythe lecturer, delivered a kinship care is the main type of care Law Association (LGLA) all sup- to anonymously post opinions on talk entitled “Child Welfare’s Para- in New York City, Chicago, and ported this event. The event was any number of topics. dox.” Roberts conducted a study Philadelphia. While kinship care inspired by the aftermath of last A number of proposals suggest- concerning child welfare agency generally keeps children within a semester’s incident of vandalism ed incorporating diversity training involvement in black neighbor- particular community (generally, a of the LGLA bulletin board as in law camp or in Honor Council hoods. Nationwide, more black good result, to Roberts), it raises its a means of promoting dialogue training and policies. Incorporating children are in foster care than white own concerns. Kinship caregivers between individuals and groups diversity training in law camp could children. In fact, a black child is tend to have lower incomes than with conflicting views. Professors occur in a number of different ways, four times more likely to be in foster traditional foster parents. Tempo- Eric Kades and Davison Douglas including a mandatory meeting at care than a white child. One third rary assistance to needy families as well as Carina Sudarsky-Gleiser the beginning of the semester or of foster children are black, even (TANF) provides less financial and Felicia Brown-Anderson of a discussion on diversity led by though blacks make up only 13% support than foster care stipends the Counseling Center paneled the a diversity committee comprised of the population. As a result, state (which also increase proportionate discussion. of members of various student custody of children demonstrates to the number of foster children Although it was an open fo- organizations followed by smaller “racial geography,” meaning that in the home). The amount of kin- rum not limited to the topic of last discussion groups. Less formal poor, black, urban neighborhoods ship caregiver support depends on semester’s vandalism, most of the alternatives proposed were to have have a strong likelihood of agency whether relatives meet the same participants focused on that issue. BLSA or LGLA sponsor a social involvement. For example, one of licensing requirements as non-kin In particular, participants discussed event early in the year open to the every ten children in Harlem is in foster parents (“The higher the a number of proposals for promot- entire law school community. foster care. payment, the greater intensity of The disparate involvement of state supervision.”). The foster agencies in black communities care system also may provide an make that involvement a “distinc- incentive for families to seek for- tively different institution for black mal foster placement rather than and white families,” but the com- informal, temporary placements munity impact is largely unstudied. within the family. Roberts hypothesized that the Meanwhile, there are lower re- involvement of child welfare agen- unification rates and longer lengths cies in black communities might be of time spent in care for children hindering community autonomy. in kinship care than in foster care. Results of a 2005 case study in the This is partially based on the facts predominantly black neighborhood that case workers have an incentive of Woodlawn in Chicago, however, to push caregivers to adopt and that proved to her that the relationship kinship care is often the result of between black communities and low income and not specifically child welfare agencies is more nu- abuse and neglect (for example, anced. When Roberts interviewed in California, reunification of 27 women regarding their percep- children from kinship care homes tion of the community, civic life, with a biological parent depended and autonomy, she discovered on the amount of financial support three profound contradictions: (1) available). If social disruption is case workers are perceived as both the price for child support, it is meddling investigators and ap- perceived as okay by the needy preciated helpers; (2) payments to families. Roberts argued, “We need foster parents are both helpful and to change our view of the system’s hurtful; and (3) the women resented institutional function.” With more the pervasive influence of agency than half a million children in foster in their lives but acknowledged the care nationwide, there is a need to needed support of the agency. The devise ways for voluntary support majority of the women actually (counseling, clothing, food, etc.) said that child welfare agencies before child endangerment arises. News 4 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 An End to AIDS Exceptionalism?

by Aaron C. Garrett stigma drove those with the dis- to her claim was that these vestiges in the United States. Ms. Gedid Staff Writer ease underground. To combat which remain from the early days of argued that the undeniable success this, AIDS service organizations HIV prevention are not in line with of this program provided evidence Rachel Gedid (3L) presented (and later state and local health today’s testing and treatment op- that regularized HIV testing could her lecture entitled “The End of departments) developed proce- tions or with the progress achieved reduce overall HIV transmission AIDS Exceptionalism” as part of dures to protect patient autonomy in fighting the stigma at the social rates. Ms. Gedid pointed to several the Benjamin Rush Symposium on and privacy in relation to testing. level. Since advanced testing de- studies which showed that once Wednesday, Feb. 14. Ms. Gedid These measures included requiring vices make detection less cumber- individuals know they are HIV- challenged the prevailing notion informed consent and prevention some and intrusive (a simple oral positive, they significantly reduce that HIV/AIDS is an “exceptional” counseling. These policies remain swab will do) and modern treatment if not eliminate entirely their risky disease which requires a different in place today, mainly as a result no longer means HIV/AIDS is a sexual behavior. approach to disease detection and of state health laws which require death sentence, HIV/AIDS is no It is not as if the CDC recom- prevention. Ms. Gedid proposed all those who receive HIV tests to longer the exceptional disease it mendations are entirely without that, at least in clinical settings, provide written informed consent once was. risk, however. State laws which current policies requiring express and receive pre-test counseling, Presently, the Center for Dis- require prevention counseling are written informed consent and pre- even in a clinical setting. These ease Control and Prevention rec- in place so that those who receive test counseling be replaced with requirements make doctors less ommends that in order for HIV an HIV test also receive informa- traditional screening practices. likely to include HIV testing as a testing to become a regular part of tion tailored specifically to their HIV/AIDS should be treated as if regular part of their checkups, and a doctor’s check-up procedures, the behavioral risks. This information it is any other disease, incorporat- because of this, fewer people are requirements for written informed helps people reduce their risk of ing regularized testing into doctor being tested. consent and prevention counseling contracting HIV or other sexually- check-ups, much like cancer or Ms. Gedid argued that the be abolished. To test the efficacy of transmitted infections. The CDC diabetes. unique approaches proffered to this policy, the CDC recommended recommendations suggest that Ms. Gedid traced the rise of combat HIV in its inception now that all pregnant women be vol- those who get an HIV test as part AIDS exceptionalism to the history contribute to the stigma attached untarily tested for HIV/AIDS as a of their regular medical care simply of the disease itself. Throughout to those with HIV/AIDS—that routine part of their pre-natal care. receive the basics of HIV transmis- the first decade of the disease’s they are somehow “different” from As a result, mother-to-child trans- presence in the United States, HIV-negative individuals. Central mission has almost been eliminated Continued on page 5 News THE ADVOCATE 5 Alumni Discuss Starting and Building Their Own Law Practices more time for her children. She ing superiors tell him what to do. from word-of-mouth; contacts and by Sarah Abshear told students that being in control Also, he likes being able to work referrals are very important. If you Staff Writer of her own time allows her to have outside of the office sometimes, are not a good attorney, clients will a life; she can balance being a mom which he can do as long as he has not refer you, and your business On Monday, Feb. 19, a panel and a professional. access to a phone and the internet. will suffer. Montgomery said that, of alumni composed of attorneys Joel Ankney worked for two For example, he once concluded a for this reason, any time you have Stephanie Montgomery ’98, Joel large law firms for a total of twelve deal on the beach. a conflict with a client, you should Ankney ’91, Cynthia Ewing ’98, years before deciding to open his Cynthia Ewing considered be sure to handle it in the most and Horace Hunter ’99 met with own law practice in Norfolk. He starting her own practice from professional way possible. Hunter students to discuss starting and is a transactional attorney special- the beginning of her legal career. explained that much of his business building their own law practices. izing in entertainment, trademark, Because she was Certified Public has come from former clients. For All four attorneys have their own and copyright law. Like Mont- Accountant (C.P.A.) and worked example, a father whose son he law practices. gomery, Ankney cited his children for a large accounting firm before defended well might ask him to Stephanie Montgomery cur- and time considerations as reasons law school, she already knew that help negotiate a real estate sale. rently practices in Williamsburg, for his decision to leave the large the large firm life was not for her. Situations like this have resulted in primarily in real estate. Her deci- firms. He also mentioned that he Immediately after law school, Ew- Hunter branching out his practice sion to open her own office was prefers to be his own boss and work ing worked for a small firm where and learning new areas of law. motivated by her desire to have on his own terms instead of hav- she made partner. After about six One student asked the panel years, she decided to leave and start whether they felt that a solo prac- AIDS, continued from page 4 HIV treatment could have the effect her own practice. Ewing enjoys titioner needed more than one of reducing the attention individu- working the fewest hours she has specialty to be successful. Ankney sion in written form. This signifi- als pay to protecting themselves. ever worked. She tries not to work said that he felt that way when he cantly reduces the particularized This, in combination with eliminat- overtime or weekends and tries to started his own practice. When he information those who take part ing the counseling provision which leave work at the office. worked for the large law firms, he in prevention counseling receive. gives individuals specific ways of Horace Hunter began practic- was extremely specialized, and he Importantly, when an individual has reducing their individual risks, ing on his own right out of law tried to branch out when he left. decided to get an HIV test, rather could have the perverse effect of school as a criminal defense at- An experiment with employment than receiving one as a regular part undoing two and a half decades of torney in Richmond. He joked to law resulted in a loss of time and of his medical care, his mindset is HIV prevention messages. students that he still was not sure money. Now, he is able to refer such that he is thinking about his That being said, it is undeni- whether that was “smart or crazy.” work that he accepted a few years sexual health and is more open to able that HIV infection rates are Hunter was able to start out on his ago to another attorney and focus interventions designed to reduce his not decreasing. Current prevention own by continuing to live at home on his areas of expertise. This al- sexual risks. These interventions messages are not getting through and working other jobs part time lows him peace of mind, because he are especially effective if they are to those who are most at risk of until he could earn enough money was not as competent in other areas designed by a trained counselor to contracting and spreading the dis- to establish himself. He received and felt less comfortable working realistically reflect how the person ease while the demographics of many of his initial clients from court outside of his expertise. However, is most likely to change his risky be- the disease continue to shift. HIV appointments and making himself he continues to do commercial havior. Furthermore, since current prevention messages are becoming available around the courthouse. real estate transactions, which he HIV prevention counseling under stale, and HIV prevention work- Hunter has recently decided to initially began because he found the state law is anonymous and/or con- ers are suffering from significant partner with a former classmate. He deal-making involved was similar fidential, individuals may be more institutional and individual fatigue. considers himself lucky in his suc- to the transactions he was used likely to share their risky sexual or Funding for governmental and non- cess, as he knows many attorneys to doing. The ability to take on a drug use behaviors than they do governmental agencies involved in who have tried to establish their new field of law for a new client is with their family doctor. HIV prevention is inadequate, and own practices and failed. He said something Ankney would not have Additionally, there is a signifi- red tape continues to tie the hands practicing on his own is challeng- been able to do at a large firm. cant risk in allowing people to think of those most interested in ending ing, exciting, and new. There is a Hunter agreed that there are that since HIV is now a “treatable” the AIDS crisis. Certainly more feeling that anything could happen, things he does that he does not re- disease, that contracting it is no people need to be tested, and the and also the satisfying feeling that ally enjoy, like divorces and child longer a significant concern. Noth- more people who know their HIV “this is mine.” custody cases. However, he said ing could be further from the truth. status, the better. If the CDC recom- Although both Ankney and that if he is competent in an area HIV/AIDS is still a life-threaten- mendations will actually encour- Montgomery brought some clients and there is enough money to make ing disease. While advancements age more doctors to provide HIV with them from their old firms, all it worthwhile, he will take the case. in anti-retroviral therapy are testing, despite the fact that most four attorneys stressed that client He is just now getting to the point astonishing in their effectiveness insurance companies do not cur- development is essential to estab- in his practice where he does not when compared with medications rently cover the costs of HIV testing lishing a successful practice. Mont- have to take these sorts of cases. available even ten years ago, these and that the costs of rapid oral HIV gomery said there is an old maxim Montgomery said that “bread and treatments can cost thousands of testing are not as insignificant as that says to treat your first client butter” practice areas help to cover dollars per month, have significant Ms. Gedid assumed, then perhaps well, because that is where you get the overhead. She also pointed out side effects, and require a complete it is one piece of the 21st century’s the second. Ewing explained that change in lifestyle. Regularized HIV prevention puzzle. she gets almost all of her business Continued on page 7 News 6 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 We Know What You Did Last Summer… Every year the Public Service Fund, in cooperation with the Law School, provides financial support to a large number of William & Mary students during the summer so that they can pursue opportunities with government and public interest organizations. Each issue of The Advocate will feature stories authored by the sponsored students. Advocating for Children in Philadelphia training entity, there are six attor- by Amy Wallas neys, five social workers, and other Contributor staff who are employed full time at Child Advocates. These individu- Last summer, with the sup- als handle a small number of their port of the Public Service Fund, own cases and provide support and I worked at the Support Center assistance to the volunteer attor- for Child Advocates (Child Advo- neys who represent the majority of cates), a private non-profit organi- the kids whose cases are assigned zation in Philadelphia. The main to Child Advocates. function of Child Advocates is to While Child Advocates and its train attorneys in the community so affiliated pro bono attorneys handle that they have the necessary skills about 700 cases per year, the major- assign particularly tough cases to the child. As is regular procedure to represent children in particular ity of children in dependency court Child Advocates because they are at Child Advocates, I conducted cases on a pro bono basis. These are represented by attorneys from a confident in the staff attorneys’ abil- home visits with my client and cases typically involve dependency special division of the Public De- ity to handle the often complicated communicated with his mother, the proceedings (when the state alleges fenders’ Office. When the Public and difficult situations. assigned social worker, and other abuse and/or neglect of a child) and Defender has a conflict (because The staff attorneys, social service providers to help arrange cases in which a child has been the office represented a parent in workers, and fellow law students in-home and other services. The the victim of a crime by an adult. another matter, for example), Child with whom I worked on a daily goal was to ensure that the mother In these cases, the child victim is Advocates is contacted to take on basis were great. It was clear that was receiving sufficient support expected to testify against the adult the representation. Additionally, they are dedicated to this work and from community and social service at trial and may need extra support by virtue of its reputation and passionate about advancing the groups so that the child’s needs from an advocate. experience in the field of child interests of children. I worked and were met. I also attended the initial In addition to functioning as a advocacy, judges occasionally shared office space with three other court hearing and ensured that the law students, all of whom attend judge’s course of action was in the law school in Philadelphia. My best interest of my client. Researching Forest co-workers contributed to a very My second case involved a congenial working environment, seventeen-year-old girl from China Conservation provided support for me in dealing who had been illegally brought by Bryan Thompson some case law mixed in. I was with my assigned cases, and even across the Canadian border in the Contributor initially intimidated by my lack showed me around town! back of a truck. While all of the of forestry experience, and recon- Since I applied for and received other people she was traveling with Last summer I interned with ciling statutory language with the Pennsylvania’s third-year practice were sent back to China, she re- the Model Forest Policy Program realities in the forest is not easy. certificate equivalent, I actually mained in the United States because (MFPP), and I wanted to share my I’m happy to say that, by the end of represented children whose cases she was a minor. When the case experiences with anyone interested the project, I was able to effectively were referred to Child Advocates. came to me, the child was living in working for them this summer. evaluate the laws, and I picked up a My first case involved a five-year- with cousins in Philadelphia, and an My experience was extremely lot of knowledge about forestry. old boy whose mother had been re- immigration attorney at a non-profit positive, and I recommend it to Bud Watson was my main con- ported to the Department of Human agency had contacted us to see if anyone interested in pursuing en- tact at MFPP, and I truly enjoyed Services for not taking care of him. we might be able to help provide a vironmental law. working with him. Mr. Watson Allegations included that she left pathway for this child to become a I worked on a variety of projects is an outstanding lawyer who is the child for days at a time with rela- legal resident. As I learned, there at MFPP. I definitely developed my passionate about the environment tives without notifying them that is something called “Special Im- legal research and writing skills, and his work. Mr. Watson served she was leaving, did not adequately migrant Juvenile Status,” which and the projects were extremely as my mentor regarding forestry clothe him, and essentially showed is a visa status typically granted to interesting. I learned a great deal issues and the law. Plus, I had the no interest in his well-being. When children who have been declared about forests and forestry practices. chance to learn from his practical the assigned social worker went dependents of the state. Since I also learned about environmental experiences balancing a desire to to investigate, he had problems my client had “no parental care or policy and the difficulties of writ- work in conservation and a need to making and keeping an appoint- control,” one of the categories of ing and implementing effective make a living. ment with the child’s mother. As dependency, we were able to bring statutes. Most importantly of all, MFPP was great—I got to do a result, the social worker called her into the court’s jurisdiction so I was able to contribute to mean- meaningful, interesting work and for the case to be brought to court that this preferred status could be ingful work and work with great meet great people involved in the so that the mother would be com- pursued. As this process was going people. field. I’d be happy to talk about the pelled by court order to cooperate on, there were multiple difficulties The projects I worked on pri- internship with anyone interested with the social worker. It was here marily focused on statutes, with in applying. that I came in as the advocate for Continued on page 7 THE ADVOCATE 7

Children, continued from page 6 ferent from the traditional civil or phia. In addition to my invaluable Market, and many, many great criminal courtroom. Instead of learning experience at work, I had restaurants. When I walked past with effectuating the plan, mostly having just two adversaries repre- fun getting to know the city of historic Philadelphia, I felt right at because of cultural differences, sented by their attorneys, there are Philadelphia, including my favorite home . . . I think I even saw Thomas and because the child was almost often five or six interested parties farmer’s market, Reading Terminal Jefferson while I was there! eighteen (the cutoff age for being at the hearings. These include declared a dependent in the state the child’s parent, or parents, and of Pennsylvania). This case was their attorney(s), the Department News In Brief quite interesting, not only because of Human Services represented by PSF Date Auction Earns Mad Rebecca Beach Smith, both of the it involved other legal areas like the City Solicitor, the individual Cash, Wows Hundreds Eastern District of Virginia, Dean immigration law, but also because social worker involved in the case, The Public Service Fund’s an- Taylor Reveley, and Prof. William it was something that Child Advo- the child advocate, and, in some nual date auction, held Saturday, Van Alstyne. Over the preceding cates did not have much experience situations, the child, if he or she Feb. 24, raised a total of more than weekend, a team from South Texas with, forcing me to do much of the is old enough to be involved. The $13,500 from the live and silent College of Law won the 36th an- legwork. I found out later, however, hearings are closed to outside par- portions of the auction. Hundreds nual Spong Invitational Moot Court that a fellowship had been awarded ties and are, in general, conducted of law students watched as their Tournament, defeating another to a law student to pursue more of in a more informal manner. In friends and classmates put their team from South Texas in the final these cases, so Child Advocates Philadelphia, the courthouse I talents on stage and their behinds round. In total, 25 teams and 38 will likely become more experi- visited most often contained fifteen on the auction block, all for a good judges from across the East coast enced in using the designation of courtrooms that continuously heard cause. Highlights included girls and Midwest participated. Seth dependency to help minors who dependency and delinquency cases. playing Twister, guys stripping/ Carroll (3L) wrote the problem are illegally in this country without For those of us used to the two- or singing, tennis (both simulated and about how other states should treat their parents. three-judge juvenile benches in this real), and the friends and followers same-sex married couples from In addition to working on my area, this was huge! of Maryann Nolan (3L) purchasing “Marshall”chusetts. own cases, I was able to observe Overall, I had a very reward- her for an unprecedented $800. several hearings handled by Child ing and worthwhile experience For photos of the spectacle, turn No, Not the Dialectic Guy Advocates attorneys. The process working for the Support Center to the collage in this issue of The (He’s Dead, and He Spelled It in dependency court is very dif- for Child Advocates in Philadel- Advocate. Differently) On Saturday, Feb. 10, as part of Practice, continued from page 5 beginning their own practice will Trials of Life: Tribe’s Future the College of William & Mary’s need a lot of help from the law Litigators Devour Competition 314th Charter Day celebration, that there is just not enough work for community. Ewing suggested The William & Mary School Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (R- some specialties, joking that “you joining local bar associations to of Law Trial Team won the 44th Neb.) addressed a packed Phi Beta have lost your mind” if you think network. Montgomery pointed annual Gourley Trial Competition Kappa Hall. In his remarks, Hagel you can practice only sports and out that people are very generous on Friday, Feb. 23. In its first year discussed the importance of pub- entertainment law in Williamsburg, with their help. In Williamsburg, competing in the 16-team, invita- lic education and public service, for example. beginning attorneys are required tion-only tournament, the William tracing their roots in this country Students in the audience were to have mentors for felony cases. & Mary team defeated George- to the College. In recognition of very concerned with the financial Some of the best criminal attorneys town University Law Center in its his work in elected office, Hagel aspects of setting up their own prac- in town participate as mentors. This first trial and beat out St. John’s received an honorary doctorate of tices. One money-saving technique can help establish relationships University School of Law for the public service from the College. is to rent an office in a building that between less and more experienced championship. Liz McElroy (3L) Every year, Charter Day marks has a community receptionist and attorneys that will last after the and Josh Whitley (2L), the two the anniversary of the founding of meeting rooms or one in a business cases finish. Hunter said that more advocates for the Tribe, tied for William & Mary. park. This will create a professional than one mentor is needed. best advocate in the tournament—a atmosphere for much less money. It is perhaps more important first in the 45-year history of the Public Service Fund Assas- Montgomery said one building in to have an advisor who knows tournament. Jacksy Bilsborrow sins Update Williamsburg rents out such offices about business. This person does (2L) served as the William & Mary As of Friday, Feb. 23, 16 par- for only $425 a month. Ankney said not necessarily have to be an at- team’s witness. ticipants remained alive. Advo- that his office in a business park was torney. Ankney explained that cate columnist Matthew Dobbie only $265 a month. Both Hunter after his first year trying to run his Moot Court Mania!: Har- was assassinated this week in the and Ankney agreed that taxes could business himself, he realized that ter Wins Bushrod Tournament, men’s room. Be on the lookout be extremely expensive at the end he was making financial mistakes, South Texas Takes Spong Invi- for skilled markswoman Barbara of the year and that that should be like paying himself too high of a tational Title Rosenblatt (2L), who has five kills considered in any budget. While salary, and so he needed to hire On Thursday, Feb. 22, Brandon to her name. No other survivor has the panel agreed that malpractice a C.P.A. He also asks his clients Harter (1L) out-argued Robert more than two. insurance is cheap compared to for advice. For example, one cli- Derise (1L) in the final round of Five deaths remain uncon- medical malpractice insurance, ent, an entrepreneur, is useful as the Bushrod Moot Court Tourna- firmed. Casualties are asked to it must still be factored into any a sounding board for marketing ment. The two withstood blistering e-mail [email protected] budget. Ankney also warned that ideas. Clients want their lawyers questions from an esteemed panel to report in. for some areas of law, like patent to succeed, and many are willing of judges, including Judge Walter law, it can be very difficult to find to help lend their expertise. “You Felton, the current Chief Judge of -- compiled by William Y. Durbin an insurance carrier. can’t do it by yourself,” Ankney the Court of Appeals of Virginia, from reports by Eric Anderson, Liz The panel agreed that lawyers told students. Judge Tommy Miller, and Judge McElroy, and Josh Whitley. News 8 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Upcoming Events

Look to this space for news University of Chicago. He has from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Classes Resume: :( about speakers and other ma- served as Special Counsel to the the McGlothlin Courtroom. jor events at the law school. If Senate Judiciary Committee and Thursday, March 22 your organization has an event Assistant Solicitor General of the Saturday, March 3 Virginia Bar Character and Fit- in the next month you would United States, and he has argued PSF Singer-Songwriter Show- ness Information Session: Learn like advertised, please e-mail eighteen cases before the U.S. Su- case: The Public Service Fund everything you wanted to know [email protected]. preme Court. He will deliver his will host live music performed by about the Character and Fitness talk at 3:30 p.m. in Room 119. members of the law school com- portion of the Virginia Bar Exam Wednesday, February 28 munity. The event will be held at Application. The review will be IBRL Luncheon Lecture with Friday, March 2 327 North Henry Street. Those held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Professor David Holmes: Profes- Farewell Reception for Dean interested in participating should in Room 124. sor Holmes will speak on faiths of Lewis: To thank Dean Lewis for his e-mail [email protected]. the Founding Fathers from 12:50 service to William & Mary and to 3L Class Gift Kickoff: A recep- p.m. until 1:50 p.m. in Room wish him well as he heads to North Tuesday, March 6 tion for all members of the Class 137. Carolina, the Law School and OCS Student Intellectual Property So- of 2007 will be held at 7:00 p.m. will host a farewell reception for ciety guest speaker, Joy Bryant: in the lobby. Lunch with Lawyers: Jobs with him at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby. William & Mary School of Law the GAO: The OCS presentation alumna Joy Bryant ’03 will speak Saturday, March 24 will take place from 1:00 p.m. until Election Review Conference about classes one should take in Ali’s Run: The annual 5K run/walk 1:45 pm in Room 133. sponsored by Election Law Soci- order to be an IP lawyer. She will is one of two primary fundraisers ety: Top election law scholars and speak from 12:50 p.m. until 1:50 for the Bone Marrow Drive and is Thursday, March 1 practicing attorneys will discuss p.m. in Room 127. held in memory of Ali Kaplan. Join Cutler Lecture, presented by the issues that arose during the the William & Mary and greater Prof. David Strauss: “Do We 2006 midterm elections and the Friday, March 9 Williamsburg communities to raise Have a Written Constitution?”: new Congress’s potential impact Spring Break Begins: :) awareness for the BMD. Prizes David A. Strauss is the Harry N. on current election law legislation. will be awarded to the top finisher Wyatt Professor of Law at the The conference will take place Monday, March 19 in each category. Features THE ADVOCATE 9 Features 10 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 P S F D a t e B - L A W - G s If you thought that Maryann by Tara St. Angelo and Jennie were great actresses, Business Editor you probably didn’t get to see one of the only true celebrities at the law school, star of Disney Channel’s It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no—it’s Bug Juice, Jason Wool (2L). This just the co-chairs of PSF, Maryann former child reality star was up on Nolan (3L) and Jennie Cordis the block showing clips from the (2L). I joke about their “super pinnacle of his career. After all the powers” because they seem like glitz and glory, Jason grew tired they have them. Both are Dean’s of the public life. He decided to Associates and board members of return to the world of the civilians the Students for Innocence Project, and not capitalize on his fifteen and both are involved in numerous minutes of fame and spiral it into other law school activities. Al- a daytime talk show. Jason’s true though it seems as if Maryann and talent, however, is being able to read Jennie have the ability to add more people. He can always tell when a hours to their day, they are merely girl is hitting on him, which never mild-mannered law students. Jen- happens all the time. Despite his nie, however, would want to be life of fame and the barrage of girls invisible if she could have any throwing themselves at him, deep super power. She’d want to spy on down Jason truly wishes he could be people and become the law school a hypnotist. Jason, like everyone, gossip instead of one of our resi- has dreams of being superhuman dent overachievers. Maryann, on “In the Peace Corps, I was held her “secret” talent, but I think she (in more than just his rugged good the other hand, would take a more up at gun point, held up at knife just didn’t want to outdo Maryann. looks). “Although I’ve been told noble route in her super hero career point, survived 14 floods, dengue At the date auction you could have it’s very ‘emo’ of me, I would want and would want the ability to heal fever, I had nigua twice (where you purchased one of these ladies and the power to stop time. A close people. In her real life, Maryann’s have to cut open your own toe and their caring nature. They showed second is teleportation, but since “hidden” talent is her ability to heal carefully pull out a sack of worm their acting ability in a skit about I could get anywhere while time herself. Although Maryann wishes eggs without breaking the sack drunk driving and then offered up was stopped, and all that walking she could sing, her true talent is and getting the eggs in your foot), their services as designated driv- would probably keep me in good endurance and the ability to bounce ascaris, giardia, and other stuff.” ers on a one night drinking trip to shape, I’m sticking with my choice. back from adversity. She says, Jennie declined to comment about Norfolk. Continued on page 11 Guess The Whiteboard by Joelle Laszlo thankfully this one was good: Staff Photographer LAW R2-D2: Property of a Long Time Ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far There was a precipitous de- Away. A simple, bright-line rule cline in entries this week — which applies: The Empire gets to professor is giving out too much use what it wants. Property is homework these days? Oh, that’s not a bundle of light sabers... right: all of them. No matter, all it takes to have an Advo- cate contest is one entry, and Kudos, my gratitude, and the “What

Not to Wear” locker mirror go to WD. sentences or less, and sending your This week’s photo (see above) is not entry to [email protected]. Winner the best quality, but that shouldn’t this time gets a fabulous box with stop you from trying to explain a hole cut in it, leftover from the the legal principle or lesson in two PSF Date Auction (we warned you THE ADVOCATE 11

Blawgs, continued from page 10. Just imagine how lazy you would get if you could teleport every- movements on the Wii brought in where—teleport to the bathroom, the big bucks at the date auction. teleport to grocery store, teleport Sadly, all of these bucks were to bed . . ..” Greg’s that he distributed to mem- bers of the audience after pleading Who knew that Greg Demo for bids. Greg’s talents don’t stop (2L) was more than just a pretty there. His trial team placed first at face? In addition to being a huge the nerdlympics ABA Employment nerd the best Contracts TA the law Law Tournament. He can also play school has ever seen, Greg can play the mouth harp. Ladies, you can Nintendo Wii tennis. (This may rest assured, he is single. If Greg just add to everyone’s perception could add to his amazing array of of his lameness intelligence.) His talents, he would want to be able cat-like reflexes and precision to walk through walls. Features 12 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 S w e e t e r t h a n S h u g: Dating accordi ng to Dav i d B u l e s

Western Church it runs from Ash ally remember that it’s Friday, and streak, and if I have a streak of 40 Wednesday to Holy Saturday and that’s pretty hard for me): 1) Get days without caffeine, I see how so includes forty weekdays.” the tofu or grass or whatever else it long I can drag it out. At first I thought of “Forty is kids get from Trader Joe’s these I gave up fast food for two Days, Forty Nights,” the horren- days, or 2) Go ahead and get meat years, two different times. I’ve dous Josh Hartnett movie in which and hope no one notices. given up pop now three times. he vows to give up all sex for Now, the right thing to do, as- The first was for three years (after lent. I’m going to stick to talking suming you are of a religion that downing thirteen Wild Cherry Pep- about the fasting and not eating does not eat meat during Lent, is sis the day before Lent in seventh meat parts of Lent, and this is not order the tofu. You can explain grade). The second time was for meant to offend those who do not to the girl that it’s Lent and nor- three years in college. If I could acknowledge Lent. mally you’d eat a big T-bone, but have stayed on it the third time, I’d During Lent many people do it’s Friday. Hopefully she will probably be like ten pounds lighter not eat meat on Fridays in ac- understand and you can avoid any at least. In fact, I preempted Lent cordance with various religious religious debate. Guys, you have this year. As of early last June, I practices. Some even take the word to be sensitive to girls, too, if they gave up coffee. As of early this “fast” as being stricter. I might be do not want to get meat. I’ve for- January, I gave up Red Bull and by David Bules the worst person ever to remember gotten it was Friday many times, pop again. Now I’m on a mission Staff Columnist this rule not to eat meat on Fridays. and tried to encourage the girl to to give up fast food again. I also I’m not bad at the whole giving get more than just a salad. Most have one weird caveat: Subway is Mr. Durbin, our esteemed up something for Lent thing, but girls will point out it’s Friday and not fast food, as long as you stick Editor-in-Chief, rarely makes sug- remembering not to eat meat on not be offended, and then I realize to the items on those napkins that gestions and pretty much lets us Fridays is tough. When you bring I have to change my order now that advertise the low-fat options. write whatever we want. So this this into dating it gets even harder. I know it’s Friday. So how can Lent play into week when he sent me a request, I If you want to go on a date on a Beyond the no meat on Fridays things other than meat for dating? figured I owed it to him to oblige. Friday night during Lent, how rule, Lent can also pose a problem Well, if the person gives up choco- Lent began last week on Ash likely is it that you will remember for the tradition of giving up a vice. late, then you have to be careful Wednesday. Will suggested I do not eat meat? In the past I have given up pop (yes, with Valentine’s Day. From now a column on what it’s like to date Those of us guys who want to I said “pop”) three times, coffee and until the year 2020 the earliest date during Lent. According to the trusty impress the girl are probably going Red Bull once, and even fast food that Easter falls on is March 23, next dictionary on my iBook, Lent is to order some big piece of meat, three times. My problem is that I year. According to Wikipedia, that “the period preceding Easter that in because meat is manly and all. The get so used to not eating or drinking takes out chocolate for Valentine’s the Christian Church is devoted to last thing you want a girl to think is that thing that I forget to start doing Day next year. Try explaining that fasting, abstinence, and penitence that you are a softie when you order it again when Lent is over. I also to your sweetheart. in commemoration of Christ’s a tofu concoction of some kind. So have a slightly weird superstition Until next week, keep livin’ fasting in the wilderness. In the you have two choices (if you actu- that I think it’s bad luck to break a strong and lastin’ long. Things That Are Ridiculous and, Consequently, Sort of Amazing We’ve all seen the campaign video ticles/view/16141 (thanks Pollard). think about it. In this way, he has (if not, please let it still be up at The author pretty well captures the the potential to serve as a sort of www.voteaks.com), and, yes, it is AKS persona (this time at Yale, quasi-hero to those with ambition amazing. It’s amazing in that “I functioning just as you’d imagine), but without the voice (or the req- can’t believe this is happening” and its ability to provide ample uisite zeal to use it). He’s also the kind of way. For those in the dark, fodder for humor and gossip. guy everyone loves to hate. it features our very own AKS, a Face it: nothing happens in Wil- See, every community needs horse, and Journey. liamsburg, nothing happens at Wil- some such character. The one we by Michael Kourabas In a few short months AKS has liam & Mary, and certainly nothing lampoon. The one who never, ever, realizes that the joke’s on him (or Features Editor become ubiquitous. Generally, happens at Marshall-Wythe School ubiquity carries with it a negative of Law. AKS’s presence gives her). We may say to ourselves Over the course of an ordinary connotation. Ubiquity leads to everyone something to talk about, or our classmates, “What is AKS day, the things we deride or simply boredom, sensory overload, ex- and his antics only up the ante. thinking?” or “I’m just glad I’m ignore often have the potential to tremely high levels of anger, etc. What else would we be discussing? not AKS” or “I want to rendition provide us with the most enjoy- We tire of things that are constantly The recent SBA elections? Would AKS to a black-site somewhere ment. I’m not pontificating here; thrown in our faces (save those anyone have mentioned anything in Cairo.” But, in the end, doesn’t rather, I’m referring to those things dedicated tabloid readers). I tend about this meaningless event but for AKS get the last laugh? that, if we step back and appreci- to think that many view AKS in the presence of everyone’s favorite The kid has book signings, for ate them for their latent absurdity, this way, and the campaign video law school “villain”? Pete’s sake. Can’t we appreciate might just make us laugh. Some- may have just been more fuel on The great thing about the AKS the brilliance of that? Here’s a guy times. Some examples . . . the fire for such folks. phenomenon is its sincerity. The who has way too much to say, who AKS. I know this has the However, I see it a bit differ- character genuinely cares about absolutely relishes in the spotlight, potential for blasphemy, but just ently. Read this, for example: whatever it is he’s doing, and and who gets to sit at the head of bear with me. Just for a second. http://www.yaledailynews.com/ar- genuinely doesn’t care what you Continued on page 13 Features THE ADVOCATE 13 Amazing, continued from page 12 breaking story on the “local news at for money. Is that even legal? It’s nately, they were unresponsive to eleven” caught my ear. All I heard not clear. her complaints. To make matters his own table at Barnes & Noble, was the aforementioned quote, so Needless to say, Spunky has worse, Spunky soon discovered waiting for people to show up so I made sure to catch the segment suffered her share of embarrass- that she was also listed on an that he can sign their copies of in its entirety. ment and confusion in recent internet database, as some sort of the first ever rhetorical analysis Hilarity did in fact ensue. weeks. According to the sad clown, sex-clown. of the Bush Administration’s case Evidently, the number for a wom- “Mostly people go right into it say- Devastated, Spunky notified 13 for the war in Iraq. So, while we an-clown (probably in Newport ing I want this, I want that.” One News. And, in a heroic act of jour- sneer and scoff (and rightfully so) News), named Spunky, acciden- determined caller even asked if he nalistic valiance, News 13 was able at whatever it is that AKS is up to tally appeared in the middle of the could “have a full figured girl.” to bully the phonebook website into this week, somehow I think the “Adult Entertainment” section of (Ironically, Spunky is quite the full- removing the Spunky sex-clown joke is on us. the local yellowpages, as opposed figured woman. The camera would ad. Nice work, 13! Clowns are to where it belongs in (I think) the have to add more than 10 lbs. for people, too, you know. “I may be a clown, but I’m still “Family Entertainment” section. her to avoid this charge.) a person.” While half watching Spunky’s ad was situated just below In an attempt to rectify this Until next week, keep livin’ Lost and half reading for class this “Bare Assets,” which I took to be situation, Spunky notified the strong . . . oh wait, that’s not past Wednesday, a commercial for a a service blatantly offering . . . sex phonebook company. Unfortu- mine. Canadian Bacon: A Canuck in New Orleans

they also inexplicably played “God While you can get the rough Save the Queen,” “O Canada,” idea by watching TV, you really and “The Star Spangled Banner.” don’t pick up on the little things I stood and sang along for the first until you actually get there. One is two, but the not the third. Shock- the throwing of beads: For reasons I ingly, everyone else in the bar did can’t yet explain, people really want the opposite. Go figure. It was in beads, and yet they’re constantly this same bar that I discovered an give them away. It’s bizarre, and interesting fact: While tourists may they’re not always friendly about it love New Orleans, New Orleans either—more than a few people are gious in origin. During the Middle loves Journey. During the trip, tossing beads like Roger Clemons by Matt Dobbie Ages, Christians would give up every single bar I set foot into throws fastballs. I saw one girl Staff Columnist sweet and fatty foods for Lent, and played Journey. No lie. Hell, one take a string of beads in the head to prevent being tempted would even played “Don’t Stop Believ- and drop like she got shot. It was Two weeks ago, I did my part as cook them all up just prior to the ing” twice within an hour. I found sad, and it looked painful, and yet a member of the William & Mary Lenten period. This meant lots of a number of things confusing about at the same time it was absolutely Moot Court Team and represented sweet cakes and fatty foods being New Orleans, but this was far and hilarious. my school in a prestigious academic eaten, and the origin of the name away the most perplexing. I still One other thing you don’t see competition hosted by Tulane Uni- Fat Tuesday.1 How this evolved don’t understand it.3 on TV is the surprisingly large versity. It was in New Orleans and into a season of debauchery I’m not Bourbon Street itself was also number of evangelical Christians coincided with Mardi Gras. Actu- entirely certain, but I’m willing to something to behold. Having never on Bourbon Street. They’re out ally, now that I think about it, the blame the French. been to New Orleans before, I was there holding large wooden crosses tournament is probably not all that The tournament, if we went all expecting something out of Wild and passing out pamphlets. One prestigious or academic. But it was the way to the finals, would have On!.4 I was not disappointed. The cross even had a scrolling marquee a great excuse to get W&M to fund lasted three days. Unfortunately, first two nights we were there it sign.5 Don’t get me wrong, I’m a my trip. In order to try and prevent we were eliminated after the second wasn’t really worth writing home fairly religious person, but I can’t that money from being a complete round, so it only lasted one. This about it. But Friday night was think of a bigger waste of time than loss (unlike our performance), I left us in the unfortunate position of another matter all together. It was to be preaching the Gospel to a decided to write about it. having to kill time in New Orleans beyond crazy—like Britney Spears crowd whose immediate goals are For those of you unfamiliar, during one of the biggest parties of shaving her head crazy. Massive (a) getting drunk, (b) seeing naked Mardi Gras is French for “Fat the year. Quel Dommage. Dejected drunkenness, nudity, strippers, girls, and (c) getting more drunk. Tuesday,” which is the final day and depressed2 with our loss, we and beads flying around like death You’d have more success teach- before the Christian season of Lent: attempted to console ourselves from above. It reminded me of that ing donkeys to read than gaining “Mardi” being the French word for with the sights and sounds of New scene The Ten Commandments just converts on Bourbon Street. Tuesday, and “Gras” being French Orleans. before Moses brings out the Ten Anyway, that’s my report on for “festival when girls show their The first bar we went to was a Commandments, where the Isra- New Orleans. It was certainly a breasts for cheap plastic beads.” piano bar on Bourbon Street. It was elites are having a massive orgy week to remember, and even bet- Although you wouldn’t know it quite the place, and in addition to and worshiping a golden calf. Just ter because it was on the school’s now, the holiday is actually reli- playing various iconic rock songs, complete and utter debauchery. dime. See you in a month. 1 Well, perhaps a tad concise, that’s as good a history of Lent and Shrove Tuesday as you’ll find in any student-run law school paper. 2 By dejected and depressed I mean ridiculously ecstatic. 3 Don’t get me wrong, Journey are a solid band and “Don’t Stop Believing” is classic song. It’s great for both sporting events and cheesy political ads. But honestly, I heard it so much you would have thought Steve Perry was the mayor of New Orleans. 4 Wild On! of coursing being the greatest travel show of all time. 5 Its message was “Repent now or burn in hell, sinners.” Which when you think about it really dovetails quite nicely into Jesus’s message of peace, love, and forgiveness. Features 14 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 T h e Real World of Virginia: Alan Kennedy Shaffer Reports from Richmond on the Jefferson Jackson Dinner by Alan Kennedy-Shaffer Senate had blocked action on Iraq the keynote speaker, the governor Americans have had the “audacity Features Editor earlier in the day. In an ironic slip reminded listeners that the end of to hope,” Obama continued, our na- of the tongue, Webb attacked the the story is not yet written: “There tion no longer lives half slave and When was the last time three “refusal of the Republican Party to is more work to be done . . . and half free. Over the last few years, Virginia governors, two United even debate the Vietnam—I mean, Democrats need to do it.” however, “we seem to have lost the States senators, and scores of the Iraq—War.” elected officials appeared on the Warner warned the assembled same stage to herald the “march of to never compromise their prin- victory”? When was the last time ciples, expressing a desire to move they were all Democrats? beyond the fear mongering of Presi- On Feb. 17, thousands of dent George W. Bush. “When we Democrats from across the state get rid of Karl Rove and divide and convened in the former capital of conquer politics,” Warner said, “we the Confederacy to hear speeches will be able to start bringing this by Richmond mayor and former nation back together again.” Governor L. Douglas Wilder, Kaine called for Democrats to Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), former “stay strong going forward.” Faced Governor Mark Warner, Governor with a traffic crisis and a hostile Tim Kaine, and Senator Barack legislature, the current governor Obama (D-IL). of Virginia asked the audience to This year’s Jefferson-Jackson send him a few more Democratic Dinner brought together a record legislators in November. He em- “Love Triangle” art by Carolyn Fiddler. number of Democratic legislators, phasized that his administration Endorsed earlier in the day by capacity to dream big dreams.” donors, activists, and interns, in- will concentrate on inclusion, Governor Kaine, Senator Barack America must regain the audac- cluding Carolyn Fiddler (3L), for investment, and education in the Obama drew a standing ovation ity of hope, said Obama, a challenge a night of revelry and rhetoric. coming year. as he ascended the steps to the that will help the country come After a parade of public of- Referring to the 400th anniver- stage with his wife Michelle. The up with creative ways to provide ficials across the stage, the newest sary of Jamestown, Kaine described couple looked young and vibrant, all Americans with basic medical senator from Virginia stepped to the how the story of our country is the the perfect picture of a presidential care, ensure that all children have podium. Waiters served wine while story of a welcome and opening pair. Decked out in a black suit access to high-quality schools, and Webb spoke bluntly, relating how place, a beacon of hope for people with a white shirt and blue tie, find new sources of energy so that his Republican colleagues in the around the world. Introducing the presidential candidate looked Americans no longer “fund both dashing with the governor on his sides of the War on Terrorism.” left and his wife on his right. The presidential hopeful chal- Obama began his address lenged Bush’s plan to escalate the slowly, thanking Governor Kaine Iraq War by sending more troops and the rest of the Democratic to Baghdad, declaring the conflict leadership in Virginia for inviting a “war that should never have been him to the biggest Democratic authorized and that should have dinner in the country. He talked never been waged.” The nation about Virginia as a potential swing needs a national security strategy state, a state that will be in play in for the twenty-first century, Obama upcoming elections seasons. said, and that means “bringing our Acknowledging the nation’s troops home.” troubles, Obama suggested that With “unfinished business” in “maybe, just maybe, I can help you Afghanistan, Obama remarked, get through these difficult times.” the nation can ill afford to con- Confronted with a mismanaged tinue fighting a losing battle in war, a misguided president, global Iraq, a battle with no end in sight. warming, rising oil prices, and out- “What sets America apart is the of-control deficits, America needs power of our ideals and projecting a “politics that brings us together those ideals all around the world,” rather than a politics that breaks Obama asserted, stirring the crowd us apart.” to passion. Pointing out that the United “The easiest thing is to con- States started with a Constitution clude that the world as it is is the “stained by slavery,” Obama re- world as it must be,” Obama said. minded the audience that inequality While the Iraq War has diminished has often given way to hope and America’s moral standing in the progress. “Somebody noticed,” world, the nation may still recover Obama explained. “Somebody its moral compass. agitated, somebody pushed . . . Guided by the audacity of people marched and agitated until hope, Democrats have a unique we arrived at a more perfected opportunity to “transform [the] union.” Because a few courageous Continued on page 15 Features THE ADVOCATE 15 AKS, continued from page 14 nation” into a land of opportunity POLITICS AS USUAL and justice. Obama described how he met a woman on the campaign trail who had lived for 109 years, the granddaughter of slaves. She told him that she was not tired. “If she’s not tired,” the presidential aspirant declared, “then I’m not tired.” Obama ended on a hopeful note: “Every so often, the American people say to themselves, ‘It’s time for us to pay attention.’” Whether or not Barack Obama becomes the next president of the United States, Virginia Democrats would do well to remember his call to action. We would do well to remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants, building on the audacity of the risk takers who came before us. As long as we stay true to our principles, we will continue to Cartoon by Carolyn Fiddler win, especially in the real world of Virginia. A Letter From The Chief Justice of the Honor Council I realize that we have just fin- is more than willing to answer phrasing of another as if they were to the Chief Justice of the Honor ished the elections for this year, and them. At the end of the rules form his or her own and does not give Council. Following the delivery of I would just like to congratulate is a statement that reads, “If you appropriate credit to the original the accusation, the Honor Council all of those who won and thank aren’t sure about something, please source. Stealing is the intentional then begins its process of an Honor all of those who ran. I am writing contact [the members of the Elec- taking or appropriation of the prop- Investigation. As papers, exams, this letter to address the Honor tion Committee] beforehand . . . it’s erty of another without consent or and assignments come due, it is Council’s role in the election pro- better to ask for permission than permission and with the intent to important to keep in mind the tenets cess, to summarize the beginning beg for forgiveness.” As a check keep or use the property without the of the Honor Code—in directing stages of an Honor Investigation, to this, the Election Committee has owner’s or the rightful possessor’s your own behavior and also should and to make some final statements a general policy of inclusion. The permission. you witness questionable behavior before the end of my term. committee wants to give everyone To initiate an accusation there of others. If you have any questions, As a means of eliminating con- who has put forth the effort to run must be a good faith belief that a please feel free to consult any of the flicts of interest, the Honor Council the chance to experience fully the violation has occurred. First, the Honor Council members in person, has been given the duty of running election process. accuser must personally confront or you can contact us at our e-mail the SBA Elections. To further this The Honor Council is also in the person accused and request a address, [email protected]. goal and to keep the administration charge of addressing all accusa- satisfactory explanation of the cir- I would like to thank the SBA for of the elections more efficient, the tions of honor violations. This is a cumstances that brought the accu- choosing me as the Chief Justice. It Honor Council has set up a commit- matter that we take seriously. With sation. If the explanation addresses was a job that I took seriously and tee who oversees the elections. This various competitions under way the concern satisfactorily, then the with a mind open to new ideas. I committee sets up the rules, accepts and exams coming up in the next matter must be dropped. However, wish the best of luck to the Chief the intent to run forms, answers months, I just wanted to remind if the explanation is unsatisfac- Justice who will be succeeding questions about campaigning, and everyone of the process of initiat- tory, or if there is no explanation me. You have a big job in front of counts the votes, along with a mem- ing an accusation of an honor code given, the accuser must personally you. Just remember to trust your ber of the SBA, at the end of each violation. The Honor Council ad- accuse the student of a violation justices; they will support you. I election. We have election rules as dresses matters of lying, cheating, of the Honor Code and offer the want to say thank you to the justices a way of keeping the campaign fair plagiarism, and stealing. Lying is student the option of either resign- who worked with me this term. You for all of those who are interested the expression of a material untruth ing from the school or reporting all were a valuable resource of in running. While we do keep in made with the intent to mislead himself to the Chief Justice of the knowledge and ideas. I appreciate mind that candidates will have in- another or with reckless disregard Honor Council within twenty-four all of the effort that you put into novative ways of campaigning, the for the truth of the matter asserted. hours after the personal accusa- this term and I wish nothing but rules are set as a way of giving all Cheating is the act of wrongfully tion. Within this twenty-four hour the best for all of you. those running for a position equal using or taking the ideas or work period, the accuser must reduce And finally, as my final days access to the student body. Each of another in order to gain an un- the charge to writing and deliver here at Marshall-Wythe approach, I election produces new ideas and fair advantage. Plagiarism, which the accusation to the Chief Justice would just like to say goodbye and new concerns. That is why we have is included in cheating, occurs of the Honor Council. If there has good luck to everyone. It has been an information meeting at the be- when a student, with the intent to been an unsuccessful good faith memorable. ginning of each campaign period. deceive or with reckless disregard attempt to confront the accused, If there are any questions about for proper scholarly procedures, the accuser must reduce the ac- Sincerely, the rules, the Election Committee presents any information, ideas, or cusation to writing and deliver it Leondras J Webster 16 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 The SBA Source Dean Shealy, and Dean Kaplan, this goal. One of these ideas was President: Sarah Fulton by Wes Allen reflected on the events surrounding to incorporate a session during law Vice President: Wes Allen SBA Vice President-Elect the LGLA Board’s vandalism this camp, highlighting the pride we Secretary: Jenny Case fall and the strong reaction from take in creating an inclusive, wel- Treasurer: Brandi Zehr SBA/LGLA Tolerance Dia- the school to unify during this act coming, tolerant community. Other logue: Faculty and students alike of intolerance. Students from the ideas included having multicultural 3L Reps: Scott Miller and Na- attended Tuesday’s “Tolerance Christian Legal Society, LGLA, organizations host social events than Pollard Dialogue of Sexual Orientation and other student organizations during law camp. If you would 2L Reps: Kerry Loughman- and Related Diversity” event, agreed that Marshall-Wythe is a like to add any insight or sugges- Adams and Chris Crawford hosted by SBA and LGLA. The welcoming, inclusive community, tions on how the administration panel, assembled by Professor and we must continue to uphold this should proceed in maintaining the The new SBA administration Grover, included Professor Doug- atmosphere in light of the isolated strong sense of community, please has many upcoming events in the las, Professor Kades, and Felicia event of intolerance. Through an e-mail Kerry Loughman-Adams works. We are working on a Spring Brown-Anderson and Carina extensive brainstorm of how to ([email protected]) or Jenny Case Bar Crawl and obtaining an ATM Sudarsky-Gleiser from the Wil- inculcate this feeling of solidarity ([email protected]). for the school, and we will soon be liam & Mary Counseling Center. and tolerance in our incoming 1Ls, appointing the 2007-2008 Honor Together students and faculty students and faculty gave the ad- Congratulations to the 2007- Council and other SBA-appointed members, including Dean Reveley, ministration many ideas to execute 2008 Student Bar Association: positions. The First 100 Hours of Premier Fulton's Glorious Reign Over Her Grateful and Willing Subjects she took this mandate to her bosom, are fair, and the bartenders are annual Crawling of the Bars for and we, comrades, shall reap the courteous, prompt, and efficient. I next year. Any suspicious activity benefits. love karaoke too. I love dancing. should be reported immediately to Her first act as Premier (or, She I love dancing to karaoke.” the Grand Marshall of The Gentle Upon Whom the Sun Shines Bright- Most importantly, the Ministry Fist, Wes Allen. est), was to establish a sensible of Love consists of the Premier’s The activities of The Velvet system of Ministries with which enforcement branch, The Gentle Glove are, for the time being, clas- she will effectively transform her Fist, and Her correctional depart- sified. Rest assured, The Velvet enlightened visions into reality. ment, The Velvet Glove. The Glove loves you. The Ministry of Truth, of which Gentle Fist’s responsibilities in- Unfortunately, the radiance and I have been appointed Secretary, clude neutralizing the lingering wonder of the first 100 hours were by Rob Thomas serves to provide the people with dissidents who would besmirch the sullied by violence and discord. The Contributor (Who Demands to complete, balanced, and thorough gifts the Premier has bestowed upon alleged “opponent” of Premier Ful- be Called a "Gadfly") information concerning both the us. Yes, comrades, unfortunately, ton and his subordinates attempted Association and the Party. We there are poor, misguided souls who to meet Her in battle in the Sunken February 14, 2007. It is appro- are responsible for ensuring that do not appreciate how lucky we are Gardens. The wretched unbelievers priate that Premier Sarah Fulton1 literature and media disputing the to have Premier Fulton (from whom nonsensically cried “A-K-S,” while (may good fortune fall upon Her Premier’s Divine Will are eradi- all blessings flow), and it is our throwing small candy bars at Our like 1,000 cherry blossoms in an cated from existence. Of particular duty as Citizens of the Association Leader’s mighty war machines. autumn squall) ascended to power interest to the Ministry of Truth to do away with such undesirable Premier Fulton (may Her enemies on the day when the people cel- are materials suggesting that Our elements. suffer her burning wrath) and her ebrate their love for one another, Leader faced “opposition” to Her Citizen Will Federspiel recent- unstoppable Army of the Golden for that is what she offers us, my march towards absolute victory. ly received the Fultonic Medal of Path met the “opponent’s” pitiful brothers and sisters. She offers Such a notion, as we all know, is Valor for reporting the traitor, Asim rabble and, like Lewis Carroll’s us love, service, and progress; all utterly ludicrous. Hemant Modi, for shouting the fol- young protagonist, painted the in exchange for naught but our The Ministry of Bar Review lowing obscenities in public: “Free- roses red . . . with blood. unquestioning fealty. evaluates the various locations suit- dom of Choice! A-K-S!” The first The 100th hour ticked to its In a deafening expression of able for the Fultonic Party’s Thurs- assertion is preposterous enough, inexorable end just as She Who solidarity, the proletariat granted day ritual and, as it has always ever but the letters are truly absurd and Shall Reign For Eternity raised the Our Leader the premiership with been, concludes that the Hospitality mean nothing at all.3 Traitor Modi “opponent’s” severed head in front nary a dissenting voice. That’s House is the ideal venue for such was tenderly led away in one of the of the survivors of The Battle of right, my friends, Premier Fulton social endeavors. Mike Kourabas, Party’s Ebony Satchels of Heal- the Sunken Gardens.4 The ensuing received 100% of the votes cast, after being on vacation for 3-5 days, ing for reconditioning within The thunderous applause signified the a true mandate from the people. emerged from the Ministry and had Velvet Glove. Today, Modi is a death of pesky, childish notions of Within her first 100 hours as the this to say: “I love the HoHouse.2 much more compliant member of democracy and heralded a new age head of both the Student Bar As- The line policy ensures the safety of our society, and is even in charge of peace, stability, and prosperity. sociation and the Fultonic Party, the patrons within, the drink prices of organizing the Association’s Hail, hail! 1 Premier of the Student Bar Association, Secretariat of the Fultonic Party, Supreme Cardinal of the Fultonite Sectarians. 2 The Ministry of Truth does not condone such a vulgar euphemism for the Holiest of Watering Holes, and Mr. Kourabas has since been corrected, perma- nently. 3 You have been warned. 4 Remember our fallen comrades: Megan Erb (2L), Trey Howard (3L), David Bules (2L), Liz McElroy (3L), Dave Thomas (1L) (oh cousin, you did not die in vain).