QUID NOVI Université McGill, McGill University, Faculté de Droit Faculty of Law Volume 31, no. 3 Volume 31, no. 3 2 7 octobre 2 009 October 27, 20 09 QUID NOVI QUIDNOVI IN THIS ISSUE... Editorial

3661 Peel Street Buncha’ Balooney Montréal, Québec by Courtney Retter 3. Veni, Vidi, Vaccinati? H2A 1X1 (LAW II) (514) 398-4430 www.law.mcgill.ca/quid 4. From the LegalEase Collective

5. Listening to the Victims of Crime... Caution: The following headline may Editors-in-Chief Courtney Retter surprise you as much as it surprised Chanel Sterie 6. Droit à l’image me. Ready for it? The Balloon Boy saga was a hoax. Falcon Heene was never in- Webmaster 8. Living in a World of Crooked Lamps side that free-floating helium balloon Ryan Schwartz that cascaded across a Colorado sky. In Layout Editors 9. Shame on Human Rights Interns... fact, court documents have revealed James Nowlan that the couple orchestrated the event Lexi Pace 10. Integration at the Law Faculty... two weeks prior to the incident and in- Associate Editors structed their children to lie to the au- Stefanie Carsley 12. 50 States in 50 Seconds thorities and media alike. Falcon’s Eliza Cohen Michelle Felsky parents could be charged with conspir- Andrea Girardin 14. Enfin une campagne électorale acy, contributing to the delinquency of a Faizel Gulamhussein Daniel Haboucha minor, and attempting to influence a Allison Jaskolka 15. Humbled by Seeing the Bigger Point public servant. Oh, and there is also the Bonnie King claim that the Heenes may have vio- Ilya Kirtsman Mathieu Kissin lated FAA regulations barring people Marie-Pier Leduc from flying balloons within 5 miles of an Carrie Levitt Corey Omer airport. Does anybody else want their Evan Paperman October 15th back? Maybe I am being Brett Pedvis David Rapps overly sensitive to an event that, in the Christina Sauro grand scheme of newsworthy, is trivial Laura Scheim and undeserving of my love and atten- Nikita Stepin Lucinda Tang tion. In my defense, it has been a rough Eva Warden week of revelations. I also learnt that Randee Zeitz Krista Zeman global warming might be a hoax too.

Staff Writers Paul Hudson, the Climate correspon- Chase Bartlét Kirk Emery dent for BBC news, reported that the Charlie “Diva” Feldman warmest year recorded globally was not Andrea Girardin Michael Shortt in 2008. Marc Tacheji continued on p.17

The Quid Novi is published weekly by the students of the Faculty of Law at McGill University. Production is made possible through the direct support of students.

All contents copyright 2009 Quid Novi.

Les opinions exprimées sont propres aux auteurs et ne réflètent pas nécessairement celles de l’équipe du Quid Novi.

The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the McGill Law Students’ Association or of McGill University.

Envoyez vos commentaires ou articles avant jeudi 5pm à l’adresse: [email protected]

Toute contribution doit indiquer l’auteur et son origine et n’est publiée qu’à la discrétion du comité de rédaction, qui basera sa décision sur la politique de rédaction telle que décrite à l’adresse: http://www.law.mcgill.ca/quid/epolicy/html.

Contributions should preferably be submitted as a .doc attachment (and not, for instance, a “.docx.”). Contributions should also include the student year of the contributor. 2 OCTOBER 27TH, 2009 VENI, VIDI, VACCINATI? by Joanna Baron (LAW II)

You’re nothing, not even an exam num- drome has been shown to be a compli- ments and vaccine manufacturers usu- ber, without your health. I learned this cation affecting approximately one or ally include an indemnity clause that ex- in many hard ways last year when I two in one million people who receive empts companies if there are problems started studying at the Faculty. And so the vaccine). with the vaccine.) lately, though my day job remains studying law, I spend every other pos- On the other hand, though, one gets In the extensive clinical trials of the sible nail-biting minute keeping abreast the unmistakable feeling that the pro- H1N1 vaccine, 10,000 to 15,000 adults of H1N1 developments, and at present duction and administration of the H1N1 and children were treated and nothing the rather maudlin debate unfolding vaccine- poised to be the largest public serious happened to any of them. This over the H1N1 vaccine. As your neigh- vaccination in history- is the result of a is reassuring, but we ought to note bouring bed of antibodies and local creepy admixture of public health pol- what these trials cannot tell us: the worrywart, I’d like to share a few re- icy, law, medicine, and politics. For ex- long-term effects of this rapidly pro- flections about the issue of to-vacci- ample, the Canadian Medical duced vaccine, and also the actual effi- nate-or-not. Association quite soberly critiqued the cacy of the vaccine in inducing Canadian government’s strategy of de- resistance to the H1N1 virus, which is First of all, be wary of the rhetoric on livering the vaccine to the whole popu- so worrying to public health officials in both the pro- and anti- vaccination lation at the same time. It would have part because of its potential to rapidly camps accusing the other of ‘fear mon- been more efficient, they argued, to mutate. gering’. It was Hobbes who said human vaccinate higher-risk groups- individu- nature was predominately characterized als with compromised immunity, preg- Finally, many have pointed out the par- by being motivated by fear, and both nant women- early. One can see ties that stand to profit from pandemic: sides stake their claims accordingly. On immediately that this idea would be ad- the media (who is happy whether the one hand if you Google ‘H1N1 vac- ministratively a nightmare and also po- they’re advocating or assailing the vac- cine unsafe’ on YouTube you will be litically untenable- nobody wants to feel cine) and dreaded big pharma. The treated to a veritable carnival of loonies, that they’re being triaged. As well, fail- media are likely to be the more suspi- reporting such objective and reliable in- ure to provide the vaccine universally cious parties: although pharmaceutical formation as ‘doctors are sending mass might leave the government vulnerable companies wield unsettling amounts of e-mails to all their friends telling them to nightmarish tort claims. (Buying the power (and GlaxoSmithKline is happy to the vaccine is dangerous’, ‘VACCINE vaccine from manufacturers poses an comply with an order to produce 50 mil- CREATORS WILL REFUSE VACCINE’, element of risk, too: because vaccina- lion doses of vaccine), government and ‘the vaccine causes Guillain-Barré tion is considered as a matter of public medical research is nowadays strictly syndrome’ (note: Guillain-Barré syn- importance, contracts between govern- regulated and represents genuine evi- dence-based recommendations.

But whether we choose to vaccinate or not, we all are being triaged. It’s the unavoidable symptom of this social con- tract we find ourselves in. Studying law together makes it all the more immedi- ate: my decision to vaccinate or not will inevitably take into account my col- leagues and professors at the Faculty, some of whom have families, children, and pregnant spouses at home who are connected to our community by germs if nothing else. I hope most of your de- cisions will as well.

3 QUID NOVI From the LegalEase Collective

Welcome to Legal Ease - a monthly genocide, Choose Life McGill, a SSMU Montreal-based, produced and broad- club, was subject to criticism and casted radio show concerning "The protests by other McGill students. The Law". The collective is composed of law University administration organized a students from McGill University. follow-up townhall on controversial events at McGill. LegalEase contrasts In our first half, we discuss Buffy reproductive rights and freedom of Sainte-Marie and her legacy. The CIA speech, while considering some rele- black-listed 1960s Cree singer has been vant legal issues. a strong voice on women's equality, na- tive issues, and peace for half a century. Her recent concert as part of POP Mon- treal offered an opportunity to reflect on her legacy and play a few songs. Past Shows:

In our second half, LegalEase looks at Have you ever dreamed of being on the the recent controversy at McGill. After radio? This is your chance. Le-gal-ease. organizing an event entitled "Echoes of Want to get involved in the production the Holocaust" comparing abortion to of the radio show? Choose wonderful law-related music? You could simply read pre-written scripts. The point is http://www.archive.org/details/Legales this: we want you! This can be your e-Ckut90.3Montreal-July102009 chance to a) do something cool in law school; b) learn new media skills (or http://www.archive.org/details/LegalEa share pre-existing ones); and c) trans- se-Ckut90.3Montreal-July312009- late all the 'school-learning' dry ink into JudgesAndImprov waves of experiential aurality.

Our next program theme is prisons. Want to pick up a story? You can just sit in and get a feel for the show. Email us at [email protected] if you would like to help out. Ride more than the grade curve, catch the audio wave!

Also, if you or your group is working on something interesting that you'd like us to feature, please shoot us a line. We cover talks, discussions, and weird im- promptu events (like the controversial townhall event below). Yes, imagine yourself in (pre) colour. On the waves.

Have a listen to our past show. Perfect for Ipod enjoyment in conjunction with treadmills or stationary bicycles, tricy- cles or unicycles.

LegalEase McGill - CKUT 90.3 Montreal - Womyn's Voices and Freedoms http://www.archive.org/details/Legalea s e M c g i l l - C k u t 9 0 . 3 M o n t r e a l - WomynsVoicesAndFreedoms

4 27 OCTOBRE 2009 Listening to the Victims of Crime: Assessing the Victim’s Role at Sentencing and Parole

by Julian V. Roberts*

Crime victims have come to play an in- sentencing harsher. There is a growing Scholar in the Department of Justice creasingly important role in the criminal body of research that suggests that the Canada, and a Visiting Professor at the process. One manifestation of this is the participation of victims is perceived by University of Toronto and the Catholic proliferation in the use of victim impact judges to be beneficial to the sentenc- University of Leuven. Prior to 1988, Pro- statements at sentencing and parole ing process. There appears to be less or fessor Roberts worked for the Depart- hearings. Across the common law world no justification for allowing victim input ment of Justice Canada, the Canadian victims are allowed to submit an impact at parole as victims seldom possess in- Sentencing Commission and the Uni- statement to a sentencing court or pa- formation relevant to the parole deci- versity of Toronto. He has authored ap- role board. Many US states go further sion. Victim input at corrections would proximately 150 scholarly articles, book and encourage (or allow) victims to rec- appear to be an example of what has chapters and research reports. He has ommend a specific sentence to the been termed “punitive victim rights” been qualified as an expert witness in a court or to express their views on the and is inconsistent with sound correc- number of cases and has served as a release of the offender on parole. Re- tional principles or principles of funda- consultant to many Canadian Govern- search into the use of impact evidence mental justice. ment Departments and the Home Office at sentencing suggests that victims can in the United Kingdom. benefit from the experience and most *Julian V. Roberts is a Profes- who submit impact statements affirm sor of Criminology in the Faculty of Law, This lecture is generously spon- that they would do so again. However, University of Oxford. He is Editor in sored by the ‘Class of 1975 Fund.' few victims participate in impact state- Chief of the European Journal of Crimi- ment regimes, which tend to be poorly nology and Associate Editor of the administered. There is no systematic Canadian Journal of Criminology and evidence that impact statements make Criminal Justice. He has been a Visiting

5 QUID NOVI

DROIT À L’IMAGE Charlie Feldman (LAW II) THEDEATHOFCOFFEEHOUSE?!?!

The Quid snapped this photo during last Thursday’s coffeehouse around 6pm. The question: where is everybody? Let’s not start a trend! Eventually, a shift in music got the party re-started. In what one 3L described as the single greatest coffeehouse moment ever, a change in iPods re- sulted in the playing of Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz’s seminal classic ‘Get Low’. Sadly, this print publication can’t replicate what was caught on video at this time. No, it’s not going on facebook. If you missed this portion of coffeehouse, you also missed a dance party to ‘The Thong Song’ and NSYNC’s ‘Tearing Up My Heart’. The Quid hereby suggests to student clubs that their coffeehouses have a musical theme – you know you’d come out for 80s night!

REVIEW: LEGAL METH II PRESENTA- TIONS! Well, as promised, The Quid is your one-stop source for coverage of the most dramatic shows-stopping per- formances of the year – Legal Meth II Presenta- tions!! Given our publi- cation schedule, reviews will appear the week following the presentation, or until such time as we get bored writing them. THIS WEEK’S REVIEWS: Monday, October 19th. Presentation I: Ghosts of Girl- velour fetish comes in to play at some porter la même chose pour l’Hal- friends Past! point. loween? En tout cas, des juges sont là pour déterminer si M. Nault pourrait (The Quid wasn’t sure it was going to Anywho, Nault is brought before the rester un membre de Barreau. write reviews when this presentation Disciplinary Committee of the Bar, was occuring and as such does not where his representative (2L Jessie Stand-out performances were given by have good notes, but, loyal readers, Guttman) argues, in part, that he Bentham, J, Gibson, J, and Pluralist, J., we promise to step it up next week). made people happy (both his client, and audience members (notably his client’s ex-wife, himself) and really, Chiara Fish and Viviane Lentz) who In this presentation, famed divorce at- utilitarianism should carry the day. advocated on behalf of Mr. Nault re- torney Ivan Nault (played by 2L Ivan (Okay, maybe this wasn’t exactly his maining as a member of the Bar. Nault) is accused of having engaged in argument, but The Quid was dis- conduct unbecoming a lawyer. Specifi- tracted by Ms. Amiel’s performance). The Quid isn’t going to spoil the end- cally, he is accused of having phone ing by telling you about the double sex with the ex-wife of his client (a À un moment donné, Aristote (Mari disbarment, but it will say: role portrayed with gusto and excel- Maimets, 2L) se présenta. Elle mérite Best Acting: Suzanne Amiel / Best lence by 2L Suzanne Amiel). The Quid un prix pour meilleur déguisement, Costume: Mari Maimets / Best isn’t exactly sure, but somehow a mais le Quid se demande si elle va Make-Up: Annamaria Enenajor 6 OCTOBER 27TH, 2009

DROIT À L’IMAGE Charlie Feldman (LAW II) PRESENTATION II: THE SIMPLE shop – not like Pretty Woman!” As for After being rejected for not meeting LIFE: PARIS AND NICOLE BE- Paris, “I actually realized I wanted to the Good Character requirement, the COME LAWYERS be a lawyer several years ago… I ladies fight back and sue the “haters” Paris & Nicole are back and ready to starred in a movie, which my from the Bar (played by Brian Miller become lawyers! Nicole (Carrie Finlay) boyfriend directed, produced, filmed and Ryan Schwartz) in the Courtroom suggests that having of Justice Sara Ross. The ladies win done everything (and their case, and achieve their dreams. everyone) else, it’s We catch up again with the ladies time for the trouble- many years later when Paris is trying some two-some to to figure out what the most DIVA enter the legal profes- legal job could be. Nicole suggests sion. Paris (Charlie academe, which helps Paris to realize Feldman)hears that a that, in fact, teaching legal meth is her ‘bar’ is involved is true calling. game. The two begin their journey - Nicole Pink Boa - $2 attends CEGEP (“Duh, Tiara - $2.50 I like younger men”) After the presentation hearing Me. and Paris attends UofT Lamed use the phrase “This diva...” - (Insert joke here). PRICELESS! The ladies graduate and attempt to gain Best Acting – Carrie Finlay / Best admission to the Bar. Cameo – Courtney Retter as the Bailiff When asked why they / Worst Acting: Charlie Feldman as want to become Paris Hilton (as another 2L com- lawyers, Nicole ex- mented: it’s not acting if you just do plains, “Well it all started when I saw and also acted in… I never expected it what you do normally!). this movie... Legally Blonde... I said to to be so big, but like everyone has myself … Reese Witherspoon is, like, seen it, and I didn’t make a single so fashionable, and smart. I want a penny! I thought for sure I must have job where I can be respected while I some rights!” AHH! I NEED A COSTUME!! Put some Band-Aids all over your face Well, you could go as the bottle or the The Quid knows some of you have and in your hair. Voila c’est si simple! ginger beer, but really, all you have to spent weeks perfecting your Hal- For a plus, smear some face blood on do is wear whatever you’d like and loween costumes – you keeners, read your face (marker, ketchup, borrow a then SCREAM whenever you get a no further. However, for the slackers friend’s lipstick). drink. Someone’s bound to ask if a out there who have yet to come up snail was left in there. with a costume, Droit à l’image has JUSTICE some ideas for quick, easy, and last- Just wear dark sunglasses –she is A LAWSUIT minute legal costumes. blind after all! Or, umm, duct-tape a Just wear a suit and tape legal words scale (or two) to yourself. People are on it. LORD DENNING sure to get that. Easy enough - wear something you THE REASONABLE PERSON would wear to a cricket match. Or, put PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL Just, umm, wear something, uhh, rea- on a kilt. Or, just put your hair into Go to the dollar store and get a sword sonable! rollers and leave them in. and shield. Remember to use only the shield! (The Quid hopes to have pictures of THE THIN SKULL RULE DONOGHUE V STEVENSON your costumes next week - smile!) Dear Reader, Disons et mes deux cents reviennent la semaine prochaine. Last week’s ‘mes deux cents’ elicited a fair amount of feed- back. While some students felt that the comments therein were “mean”, “bitchy” and overly negative, others felt the sec- tion was “hilarious”, or, as more than one student commented, “I’m glad to know I’m not the only one thinking that!” While the goal of the section is to reflect what’s being said and thought at the faculty (as expressed to me) last week’s tone was unfortunately negative. While The Quid can’t make everyone smile, it, and the faculty, would certainly benefit from having more lighthearted comments floating around. If you have something to share for next week (either over- heard or a personal commentary) feel free to pass it along: [email protected] 7 QUID NOVI Living in a World of Crooked Lamps by Mathieu Kissin (LAW III)

Crooked lamps. We’ve all seen them, since the league expanded from 6 fran- Katrina. He was so bad, Obama won whether over at a friend’s or family or chises, has for years fielded a team of the Nobel Prize primarily based on the even in your professor’s office. In fact, underachieving over-the-hill players, fact that he was not Bush and that he you most likely own one. I own four. prioritized business over winning, hadn’t yet done anything, truly person- Looking back, my purchases must have charges the most exorbitant ticket ifying the mantra of “no government is been motivated by the attractive price prices in the league and blacks out better than bad government”. Keep in to lighting/esthetic ratio. The lamp is many of its main supporters by broad- mind though, Bush served 2 terms. In pictured standing straight on the box casting a number of games on its own Italy, the Prime Minister throughout his yet after your assembly, it ends up specialty channel, defies any logic. Yet many terms has been dogged by alle- crooked. If this was any other product, every game is sold out and there is a 25 gations of corruption, has made a habit this might set off some alarm bells, per- year waiting list for season tickets. of making inappropriate comments and haps even some indignation, an oath to was most recently accused of throwing return the lamp to the store AND cuss Politics is another arena where medioc- lavish drug-fuelled parties with comple- out one of the employees for something rity and incompetence is tolerated. Look mentary prostitutes. In Canada, we over which they have no control. But no further than George Bush and have re-elected a prime minister who not with these lamps. Why? Well, first Barack Obama. To paraphrase 21st cen- nobody seems to really like all that of all, you assembled it. When you as- tury orator Katt Williams, George Bush much seemingly because a) there was semble products, there is always a very screwed up ev-ery-thang in his time as nobody else b) we’re satisfied knowing real risk that you may have done so in- president: the economy, health care (he that as a minority government, there is correctly. We tend to either ignore the can’t take full credit for this one), for- little risk that he’ll do anything too installation instructions or simply fail to eign policy, the sanctity of the rule of crazy. The current UN Secretary General understand them. We therefore are law and respect for individual rights and was selected precisely because there likely to assume that we are the reason the before and aftermath of Hurricane was little risk of him doing anything. He why our lamp is getting its lean on. has really embraced this task. When Even with my 4 lamps, the common de- was the last time you heard about Ban nominator is me and it is therefore en- Ki-Moon (…he is the current UN Secre- tirely plausible that I am the weak link. tary General? But this brings me back to my original point. We’ve all seen crooked lamps. That we continue to tolerate such in- And so after some consideration, I have competence and mediocrity is perhaps decided that it is unlikely that this is a understandable. After all, many of us result of my hanging out with a social are lazy and have our own issues and circle of incompetent product assem- responsibilities to handle. The lamp is blers. cheap so we buy it. Wal-Mart offers low-low prices which are unbeatable, so So why do we keep buying crooked we tolerate their blatant transgressions lamps? The obvious response is their of its workers’ rights. But surely, some- cheap cost and their light-producing one paying much more money would credentials appear solid. On the other have higher standards? One need look hand, I think it is part of an underlying no further than international commer- current which is increasingly pervasive cial arbitration. Large international com- in many aspects of our current society: panies hire lawyers to prepare contracts growing tolerance for mediocrity and in- which are often so poorly drafted that competence. Ran your bank or com- their interpretation can have major fi- pany into the ground by making nancial repercussions. Doctrinal sources extremely poor business decisions and and case law seemingly takes for displaying a complete lack of foresight? granted a level of inkompetenz-inkom- Here, have a bailout; we’re not really petenz. However, while they move on to sure why but we have faith you’ll do a discuss issues of enforceability I am still better job this time. struck by what seems to be some fairly significant questions: who are these As a Leaf fan, I am very familiar with lawyers? How much are they paid? Do mediocrity and incompetence. Support- they still have jobs? Did they all find ing a franchise which has not won a title jobs as meteorologists? I am not sure 8 27 OCTOBRE 2009 how to process this information. On the displeased with this development, I in- one hand, as someone interested in quired why she needed green pens to commercial arbitration, I feel like per- mark. She informed me that marking in haps it might be easier to succeed in red was no longer acceptable, as it this field of law, as the expectations are could cause irreparable damage to a seemingly quite low. On the other hand, student’s confidence and psyche and should I want to be working with these ruin him for life. So there you have it. people? You coddle kids with soft green penned- remarks, and you end up with crooked I have a theory on how we reached this lamps. conundrum. I am a big fan of green pens, partly because green is my favourite colour and partly because dur- ing my undergrad I could easily locate my exam within a large pile. When I used to live with my sister, a high school teacher, she would always steal my green pens for her marking. Obviously Shame on Human Rights Interns, Kipling...maybe Facebook by Brett Hodgins (LAW II)

The arguments in Annamaria Enenajor’s there’s no way to tell which of the in- while pushing for the reform of refugee recent column in the Quid (“A Second terns said this – as they undoubtedly law and policy. It’s like the Belgian Look at McGill’s Intrepid Global Citi- did - so I’ll exclude it) It’s quite simple: Congo all over again! Don’t be fooled by zens”) were thoughtful, insightful, and as we all know, students are always the fact that 24 of the 27 permanent nuanced, and I would like to second very sparing with photographs on Face- staff listed on the Refugee Law Project’s them. McGill Law’s human rights interns book. Therefore, by going out of their website are African – they’re all neo- should be ashamed of themselves. By way to take pictures of Africans while Kiplings over at the Makerere University foregoing summer employment to they’re in Africa, interns are “objectify- Faculty of Law. travel to Africa in an attempt to learn ing” them (or maybe invading their pri- about other cultures while alleviating vacy – this isn’t clear). If they were in Notwithstanding achievements for the suffering of those less fortunate Europe, these students would never refugees, by being (probably) white than themselves, these individuals have have taken pictures of white European wealthy Westerners and interacting indeed become “cog[s] in the wheel of “locals” in this way – such as the ones with black Africans, and then having the foreign exploitation.” And as the article taken by a law student of anonymous gall to take photographs of this coexis- suggests, anyone who agrees with Rud- Romanian peasants on display around tence, human rights interns remind us yard Kipling’s call to combat famine and Matteo’s. all of colonialism – and thus perpetuate disease must also share his paternalis- it. As the column last week concludes, tic racism. The Human Rights Intern- The Human Rights Internship program the best solution by far is to let this ter- ship program may as well make by its naturefocuses on reinforcing pa- rible historical legacy continue to bind Kipling’s “White Man’s Burden” its an- ternalistic characterisations of Africa. us; young (approximately) white interns them (even though, of the most recent That’s why they send interns not only must never go to Africa or interact with interns, 7 of 9 were women and not all to Uganda and Tanzania, but to Cam- Africans, and must certainly not take were white). bodia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, the Philip- photographs if they do. The rest of us pines, New York, Toronto, and Montreal. must stop “praising the presence of What’s even more impressive is that the Why can’t our human rights interns see every McGill intern in Africa.” With any article’s long, rambling insight is all that they “reproduce power inequali- luck they’ll stop going entirely. based on a single piece of evidence: ties” and “represent the priorities and Facebook photos of McGill interns with dictates of Empire”? For example, the African children. (Well, it also suggested internship program works with the that the interns feel they are “sav[ing] Refugee Law Project in Uganda, which Africans from their own brutality”, but provides legal assistance, information, because this statement is not sourced, and support to refugees in that country 9 QUID NOVI Interview: Integration at the Law Faculty by Joannie Jacob (LAW II)

* Interview by Joannie Jacob (2nd year) few classmates last year by striking up on the behalf of the Well-Being Com- conversation when I saw them eating Well, overall, I’d say don’t stress! But, mittee alone at Matteos, but I had some great on the integration question I’d say that conversations and found out things first year is a great time to get to know Who does not know Charlie Feldman? about classmates I otherwise wouldn’t one another, especially because class You have all probably at least heard of have known! schedules are the same. At the time I’m him or had your picture taken/been I would suggest attending coffeehouse, answering this we don’t know who your stalked by him. So, who could be better an event sponsored by a student group, class presidents will be, but I hope they to talk about integration at the faculty? or something like the Halloween party plan many events at which you can – depending on interest. I’m pretty con- meet each other. If they don’t, bug Perhaps this topic seems like it would vinced there’s something here for them to do so! be better suited for a September issue; everybody – even people who claim to but I think that integration is an issue hate law and law school :-) 6- Some say that there is a “divide” be- we need to think about year round, not tween francophone and anglophone just in the first weeks of law school, and 3- Il y a beaucoup d’évènements à la students at the faculty; what do you even more so when exams and assign- faculté et tout le monde doit choisir. think about that? ments tend to start monopolizing our Mais y a t’il des “must” auquel tous de- minds. vraient assister? I’m not sure ‘divide’ is quite the right word, but for sure there should be bet- In the following, you will find his an- SKIT NITE c’est un ‘must’ absolu!! (Il ter integration between the two lan- swers to serious and not-so-serious faut noter que je suis sur le comité en guage groups. Being new to Québec, I questions about integration in the fac- train de planifier SkitNite mais cela n’in- was amazed at how bilingual my fran- ulty, which should be interesting to stu- fluence aucunement ce choix). Ce se- cophone classmates were, but surprised dents in all years (and at the very least, mestre c’est la fête d’Halloween – les that these second-language skills provide some “comic relief”). déguisements sont toujours formida- weren’t matched on the anglo side. I bles. think this will change with the addition 1- Pourquoi bien s’intégrer au sein de la of things like the French aptitude test faculté est important selon toi? 4- As-tu des conseils en particulier pour for new applicants. les étudiants en échange? C’est important parce que sinon on ne I’ve found that sometimes all it takes is va pas vous choisir pour un entrevue This is a more difficult question. I think trying to start a conversation. I wasn’t comme ceci :-) In all seriousness, I it depends in part on how long the stu- think it’s important because there is a dent will be here and what he or she lot more to school (and life) than lis- wants to do. For example, someone tening to the Prof, taking notes, and new to Montreal and here for only one spending all night with your coursepa- semester might get more out of explor- cks and Code. There are certainly some ing the city than trying to integrate fully wonderful people here and all sorts of into the Faculty. I think this is where interesting things going on - I think get- student groups play a large role – while ting involved leads to a better experi- it might be harder for a newcomer to ence overall. meet people in classes where everyone knows each other, student groups pro- 2- Many students would think it is too vide a way to meet people with similar late to get to know their colleagues well interests. I also think there should be a and make new friends. What big Clubs Day in the spring for the ben- would you tell them? efit of not only exchange students, but for students who, in the fall, were un- sure of the workload and what they I’d like to think it’s always possible, but could take on (esp. true in first year). for sure it takes effort – and, to an ex- tent, personality. Not everyone is out- 5- Do you have advice for first year stu- going. Granted, maybe I creeped out a dents in particular? 10 OCTOBER 27TH, 2009 sure how this would work at first, but I isation de l’activité de cueillette des found that my francophone classmates pommes, mais on a besoin d’étudiants 9- You seem to be at every event and were okay with me making mistakes intéressés pour que l’on puisse faire ce party; do you have a twin?! and would help me out where needed. genre d’activité. It works the other way too, and I think I’ve actually been slacking this semester the exchange is great. I don’t think it’s I also think better advertisement of stu- – or there have been way fewer parties because people try to associate exclu- dent events (even from clubs) would compared to last year. We need to step sively with their language group, but help – not everyone has Facebook and it up, people! I know everyone is get- that people feel like they might make sometimes posters get buried. It would ting busy now, but let’s all agree that mistakes or be in a situation where they be great if people remembered to send January will be a month-long party fi- may not understand what the other stuff to notice board – or even put esta. Done? Done! person is saying. I think practice makes things in the Quid! perfect, and who better to practice with ******* than native speakers? 8- Apparently you are aware of all the gossip and rumors at the Faculty… how On that note, I hope this will encourage 7- Crois-tu qu’il y a assez de fraternisa- do you keep yourself in the loop? all of you to get out there and make an tion entre les étudiants de différentes effort to meet and learn more about the années (1L, 2L, 3L, 4L)? Not true! Well, okay, being the sober wonderful individuals that are your col- one at law events you see and hear a leagues. People in this faculty are great Non. C’est difficile parce que les ho- lot. Plus, people tell me things - perhaps resources and may end up being of raires de chacun sont différents, et bien they shouldn’t! Really, at this Faculty all great help in your classes, in your job- que les événements pour tous les étu- you have to do is eat lunch downstairs hunting adventures, not to mention an diants existent (comme les coffee- once a week and you’ll be caught up. attentive ear when you need a little en- house) on a besoin de variété. Je sais Some watch Entertainment Tonight, I couragement. Go hug someone new que l’AED fait un effort, comme l’organ- just chill at Matteos. now! :) For your iPod! The Quid wants this Faculty to be up on the latest beats... so... here’s what to hear! For the week ending October 31, 2009 Starshp Ft. Leighton Meester 3) Jars – Chevelle CANADIAN HOT 100 24) Who Says – John Mayer 4) I Will Not Bow – Breaking Benjamin 1) Sexy Chick – David Guetta ft. Akon 25) Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z & 5)Break – Three Days Grace 2) 3 – Britney Spears Alicia Keys 3) Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus US – Dance / Club 4) Evacuate the Dancefloor – Cascada US - Hip Hop, R&B 1) Release Me – Agnes 5) Down – Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne 1) Pretty Wings – Maxwell 2) Million Dollar Bill – Whitney Hous- 6) I Gotta Feeling – Back Eyed Peas 2) Forever – Drake ft. Kanye West, Lil ton 7 )Whatcha Say – Jason DeRulo Wayne & Eminem 3) Paparazzi – Lady Gaga 8) Cha Ching – Hedley 3) Wasted – Gucci Mane ft. Plies 4) Did You See Me Coming? – Pet 9) You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift 4) Run This Town - Jay-Z, Rihanna & Shop Boys 10) Meet Me Halfway – Black Eyed Kanye West 5) This Time Baby – Eddie X & Niki Peas 5) Break Up – Mario ft. Gucci Mane & Haris 11) Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Sean Garrett Buble CKOI – Super Décompte Franco 12) Run This Town – Jay-Z, Rihanna & US - Country 1) C’est Moi – Marie-Mai Kanye West 1) Only You Can Love Me This Way – 2) Caméra Vidé o –Les Trois Accords 13) Fireflies – Owl City Keith Urban 3) Bombay – Kodiak 14) Use Somebody – Kings of Leon 2) Toes – Zac Brown Band 4) Laisse-Moi Pas Guérir – Eric La- 15) G-Get Up and Dance – Faber Drive 3) Gettin’ You Home – Chris Young pointe 16) Paparazzi – Lady Gaga 4) Welcome to the Future – Brad Pais- 5) Probleme de Blonde – Stage Lacroix 17) Already Gone – Kelly Clarkson ley 6) Besoin D’amour – Kevin Parent 18) Sweet Dreams – Beyonce 5) Cowboy Cassanova – Carrie Under- 7) Nouveau Monde – Peya 19) TiK ToK – Ke$ha wood 8) Les Président Danse Autrement – 20) Fire Burning – Sean Kingston Yann Perrau 21) Throw Ya Hands Up – Stereos US - Rock 9) En Attendant Le Soleil – Vallières 22) Funhouse – Pink 1) Check My Brain – Alice in Chains 10) La Comete – Les Colocs 23) Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra 2) Wheels – Foo Flighters Compiled by: Charlie Feldman 11 QUID NOVI 50 States in 50 seconds by Chase Bartlét (LAW I)

ROAD TRIP: Cruisin’ the USA does, however, boast a delicious artery- comes. On a positive note, the state is clogging cheese steak. Delaware will frequently referenced thanks to Ameri- 50 states is a lot. You should see them come and go within 43 seconds and can-style counting, “One Mississippi, all ASAP before they’re gone. I’m seri- even faster when traffic dissipates, so two Mississippi, etc.” Louisiana serves ous. Consider this a handy and brief refrain from blinking. Maryland comes as the decadent French capital of the guidebook that will steer you on your next. Lock your doors in Baltimore and United States. For your visiting pleas- way through the United States. do not make eye contact with anyone. ure, most of the state is currently above However, the crab is delicious and will water; but hurry; this offer won’t last! Let’s start in New England. In the rest tide you over well until you make it to Arkansas, with its unfortunate name of the country, New England is accused DC. DC is not a state and will not be and spelling, is also unfortunately home of arrogant snobbery, spreading social discussed, though it is awesome. Next: to the Toad Suck Fair, Wal-Mart, and the change prematurely, and adding even Virginia. Virginia is for lovers, accord- Duggar family, a fundamentalist Baptist fancier names to their private schools. ing to its tourism campaign. I will leave family whose 18 children’s names all In retaliation, they ignore us. Maine. all ironic jokes to you. The state is start with “J,” even Jinger. Tennessee Our whitest state, Maine actually be- beautiful and deserves its due praise. will appear next, where Elvis has been longs to New Brunswick, and due to its “Wild West Virginia,” when its exis- incorporated into virtually every facet of status as being outside the country, no tence is recalled, is usually associated society. Residents request out-of- one knows anything else about it. Next: with inbreeds with names like “Bobo,” towners make as big a fool of them- New Hampshire. The state motto is coal mines, and anti-wild boredom. I selves as possible. Kentucky, which “Live Free or Die” and is taken very se- cannot in good conscience downplay insists it is in fact part of the South, is riously. New Hampshire operates as a any of these assumptions. North Car- known as the Bluegrass State, though totalitarian state. It is also not to be olina is beautiful, the accents still co- it offers neither blue grass nor free fried confused with Vermont, gastronomi- herent, and the tobacco fresh. Visit chicken. Horse races and racial self-seg- cally known for maple syrup, hippy ice Winston-Salem to see the corporate regation are abundant, however. cream, and delicious cheese curds. A headquarters of the world’s largest can- hop away, we find Massachusetts, cer-promoters. Next we find the Midwest. Prepare to be widely known among conservatives to depressed. Ohio and Michigan have be the home of Satan. Some feel the Now we come to the south. Do not nearly resorted to martial law as the state’s leftist liberalism will soon cause make fun. Do not denounce religion. Do auto industry has collapsed. Detroit will the state to crash into New York. We not bring up politics. In sum: do not do be left alone; its fragile ego cannot han- love New York, for the state boasts the a lot of things. Be quiet, turn your air dle another blow. Indiana recently nation’s largest city, guido population, conditioner on, and off you go first into purchased and voted a giraffe into leg- and concentration of rude, abrasive South Carolina. South Carolina holds islative office to attract new visitors. pricks. The richest suburbs of New York the title of the first US state to secede Illinois currently runs the largest cor- City compromise the entirety of Con- from the nation in part by accusing the ruption ring in government. Elections necticut. It has been alleged that government of immorally denouncing are now held every three weeks. Wind proof of sufficient funds is often re- slavery. Georgia comes next, and as recently blew Chicago into Lake Michi- quired at many checkpoints to enter the the nation’s largest outdoor sauna, peo- gan, perhaps the chief reason why the state. Rhode Island is just next door, ple appear lethargic and relaxed, yet 2016 Olympics went instead to Rio. but unfortunately, nothing more can be surprisingly obese despite the sweating. Wisconsin is worth visiting for their ac- said as only references to Quahog come Ask for some sweet tea. Atlanta does cents. Milwaukee continues to compete to mind at the present time. offer some modern amenities. Florida for the title as the nation’s fattest city. proudly serves as America’s wang and Minnesota, don’t you know now, re- Well, folks, It’s time to dress down a bit hurricane testing ground. Recent lack of cently adopted Finnish as the state lan- as we enter the mid-Atlantic. You may funding has slowed the project, and guage, and boasts the largest bran wish to hold your breath and cover your most Floridians have enjoyed a few sta- muffin museum in the world. Yummy; ears as you pass the smokestacks and ble years, homes unscathed. English re- you betcha! Hot dish potlucks are also accents of New Jersey, the nation’s mains the official language in featured every Thursday night at Lena most densely populated attempt at civ- Alabama, but do not be fooled: most and Lars Svenfeld’s home in St. Cloud. ilization, ironically called “The Garden Yanks will fail to understand most of North and South Dakota exist, but State.” Next we find Pennsylvania, what is said and it is best kept that way. we are not yet sure why. Stay tuned. often perceived by neighbours to be the Mississippi proudly boasts the nation’s Iowa is home to the nation’s largest socially awkward and somewhat back- highest number of steamboat captains supply of corn subsidies. The state is di- wards cousin of the region. Philadelphia with one of the lowest per capita in- versifying agriculture, as only 99.37% 12 27 OCTOBRE 2009 of the state is now covered in corn- Speed limits only recently came into ef- easily. Potatoes are used as currency. fields, down .05% from 2007. Ne- fect, so do drive with caution. Washington enjoys 347 days of rain braska comes next. I’m not even Wyoming is presumably a figment of per year, rivalling the Amazon. The city trying; even the cleverest wit couldn’t the imagination. No one lives there to is addicted to Starbucks coffee and make Nebraska any less boring. Mis- prove otherwise, and no one else has slow, sparse access to Wi-Fi. Oregon souri is known as the “Show-Me” state. bothered to check. Colorado, the prides itself as a liberal haven, but in re- Schedule at least 5 minutes for resi- union’s most beloved state, enjoys the ality is just a more conservative, greyer dents to give you a proper tour of nation’s highest average elevation and version of Washington. The coast is everything the state has to show you. its fittest, most attractive residents. It is nice. California, though broke and Kansas, the Sunflower State, makes a rumoured that God owns ski property in poised to crack off into the Pacific, con- living from corn, wheat, sunflowers, Aspen, but this cannot be independ- tinues to boast cultural and social dom- and Wizard of Oz paraphernalia. Okla- ently confirmed. New Mexico, collo- inance all from Hollywood: perhaps homa was once the nation’s dishon- quially known as Old Mexico, is under underscoring why and where America ourable dumping ground of Native confidential Martian command in went wrong. Americans. Today, it serves as the Mid- Roswell. No more information is avail- west’s tornado dumping ground, which able at this time. In Arizona, average Finally, we reach the forgotten states. are, we shall say, rather frequent. annual temperatures range from 65- You can drive to Alaska, provided you Texas is the world’s most hated state 86C, coincidentally mirroring the domi- bring a passport through BC. There, and has no region. Southerners refuse nant age bracket of Phoenix’s residents. enjoy sunlight 3 weeks each year, din- to claim it; Midwesterners scorn it, and Substantial rainfall was last measured ner chez Palin, and superb views of Mexico has expressed its own reserva- on October 23, 2002 at 2 millimetres, Russia. You likely will not reach Hawaii tions. The governor recently threatened thus offering a lushness not seen since by car, though the islands promise a to secede, but promptly stopped as the Jurassic Period. Next we cross the chance to ride whales, hug dolphins, other states offered to pay the costs heavily fortified moral border into Utah. eat aloha, and get lei’d. and form the petitions. Because of its unique placement within the time and space continuum, Utah So Canadians, convert some currency The West: though referred to as “fly- operates 50 years back in time. This is (seriously; it’s a good time) and head over country” by bitter Easterners, the especially pertinent if you are a woman, on south. Support the quasi-Canadi- region insists it has plenty to offer be- of colour, or gay. Non-Mormons will be ans, and God bless the USA - because yond Western movies and snow ripe for appropriately charged a “Heathen Tax.” we’re sure gonna need it. skiing 8 months out of the year. Mon- Idaho is Utah in disguise, but only 25 tana is Big Sky country, though the sky years back in time. Therefore, women is reportedly of the same size there. and people of colour can breathe more

13 QUID NOVI Enfin une campagne électorale ! de Vincent Ranger (LAW II)

Eh oui ! Je suis peut-être le seul au venir l'Exposition universelle à Montréal, *** Québec, mais je suis content que nous celle de construire 30 km de tramway, soyons en campagne électorale en ce de geler les taxes et tarifs ou de con- Parlant d'élections, disons que celles de moment. La plupart d'entre vous tinuer le Quartier des spectacles, il y en la semaine dernière pour les postes de doivent avoir la même opinion que le a pour tous les goûts. Il suffit de pren- représentant à la Faculté n'était pas reste du Québec : on est tanné des dre le temps de s'y intéresser un peu. fortes fortes. Je suis à l'école tous les élections. Effectivement, nous avons C'est certain que la campagne actuelle jours de la semaine et des huit candi- été bien servis durant les dernières an- ressemble à l'occasion à un téléroman dats, je n'en ai croisé qu'un seul venu nées. Au provincial et au fédéral, non bien planifié : scandales, rebondisse- me convaincre de voter pour lui (et il seulement les campagnes se suivent à ment, aveux ! Mais s'il faut un peu de s'agissait d'un de mes amis...). Aucun un rythme effarant, mais on dirait spectacle pour intéresser les gens à la discours dans les classes, aucune visi- qu'elles sont de moins en moins in- politique, j'accepte. Tant que cela ne bilité... J'ai dû décider pour qui voter en téressantes. Aucune surprise, aucune diminue pas les discussions sur le fond. regardant leur face devant la boîte de nouveauté, aucun défi. On sait déjà La question de l'éthique est un enjeu scrutin. Je sais pas combien de person- qu'est-ce que les partis vont dire, vont important à Montréal et il devient im- nes ont voté, mais je soupçonne que ce faire... et on sait déjà pour qui on va portant de se demander qui sera la n'est pas beaucoup. Surtout qu'en plus voter. Qui a déjà réellement suivi une meilleure personne pour mettre fin au le bureau de vote n'ouvrait qu'à partir campagne provinciale pour décider régime de corruption qui règne dans la de 12h30... pour qui il allait voter ? Probablement ville ? pas grand monde. Alors ne sombrons pas dans le cynisme Tandis que là, à Montréal, on a droit à et intéressons nous à celui ou celle qui une campagne digne de ce nom ! Nous dirigerait notre ville. Richard Bergeron avons le choix entre trois candidats qui ? Louise Harel ? Gérald Tremblay ? ont des personnalités vraiment dif- férentes. Plusieurs diront que les pro- À vous de choisir ! Moi, je compte bien grammes des partis se ressemblent : utiliser la semaine qui reste pour dé- c'est faux. Entre la proposition de faire cider qui aura mon vote !

Le Quid félicite les gagnants des élections pour le conseil de la faculté ainsi que les nouveaux présidents de première année!

Conseil de la faculté Olivier Cournoyer Boutin Michael Finley Cindy Kou Francois Le Moine Ilana Ludwin

Présidents de classe (1re année) Michael Shortt Hélène Vallée

Referendum The student body has voted YES to a 2.50$ fee per semester to fund the McGill Journal of Health and Law.

14 OCTOBER 27TH, 2009 Humbled by Seeing the Bigger Point by Anthony N. Morgan (LAW II)

Often when I share with a classmate a somewhat public shaming in the form my friend pointed out this inexcusable my interest in development in the of an ego-jarring intellectual flogging. oversight, was to make the initial mis- Caribbean, the response is an off the take a second time. That initial mistake cuff remark about beaches, Bob Marley, Despite being in front of good friends of being disregarding the equal dignitiy cannibus and/or dred-locks, that is in- mine, one friend in particular who knew and humanity of Caribbean people and tended to be a joke. While I wince on all about my love and interest in the putting myself, my feelings, my per- the inside when it happens, on the out- Caribbean and my good intentions for spective, my assumptions and my in- side I usually just play along with the the region and its development, did not tentions, before those of the very joke simply because I have grown tired hesitate to lambast me in that student people I purported to be interested in the explaining what I believe in this day cafe. In variously configured and cogent aassisting in the first place. in age should not need to be explained arguments, he attacked my suggestions to my ever well-meaning, McGill Law saying that their underlying assump- In other words, I realized that I was classmates: that there are so many tions were "culturally imperialistic", as I playing the "boo-hoo, cry for me" vic- more layers to the region, its people was implying that those in the tim, though it was I who was the initial and their experience than the carica- Caribbean value, want and live for all of victimizer through my ignorant pre- tured, Sandals Beaches Vacation media the exact same things we do in Canada scriptions for and suppositions about projections that they have become and if they had all such things, every Caribbean people. This realization al- comfortable with accepting as the person in the region would be happy lowed me to wipe away my tears and whole story of this dynamic region and fulfilled. swallow quite the splice of a much which, you should all know, has a needed humble pie. We all need a slice deeply fascinating, complex, varied and In words and ways which I wished were from time to time... vibrant history, culture and contempo- whispered in a private conversation, my rary reality. friend strongly advised that I rethink my Anyway, herein lies the ultimate justice whole approach and do much more to in and justness of my friend's public and Though I walk away from such encoun- consider the voice, perspective and what I could have considered over-the- ters being slightly annoyed and of- agency of the Caribbean's rural poor top reaction to my actions: I may not fended at the recurrent before devising elaborate policy have liked the way my friend called me unidimensionalization of the people of schemes on their behalf. out in front of the group (in fact wanted which I am descendant, what always to run from the cafe when he really keeps me from getting too upset is the I walked away from that exchange feel- started to dig his rhetorical nails into my self-recentering effect of remembering ing, personally attacked, offended, position). However, being figuratively that not too long ago, I did the very ganged-up on (though only one friend slapped out of ignorance had a net pos- same thing when thinking about my actually spoke) and quite upset at the itive effect in that it ultimately forced people from the Caribbean and what fact that my friend had seemingly failed me to put myself aside and finally give needs to be done to better their lives to see that I meant well or to consider primacy to the lived experience, agency and the conditions in the region. What that "cultural imperialism" factored no and perspective of Caribbean people liv- made me stop this was one particular where in my intentions for the people I ing in the region. Consequently, I am exchange I had two years ago with one was sincerely interested in helping. now much more suited to be of most ef- of my closest friends, also of Caribbean After all, they were "my people"... fective use to them and I am better able heritage. The story is as follows: to do what I first set out to do after What caused me to get over that initial reading the article that began this chain I had recently read an article about how emotional response was the realization of perspective-altering events: actually some development policies of various that to focus on my feelings was to miss help some of the people in the Caribbean governments were failing to the point- a second time. So what was Caribbean. Moreover, I am now signifi- better the conditions of living of the the point? The point was that it's cantly disinclined to overlook and mini- rural poor in the region. In response, I Caribbean people living in the region mize the human dignity inherent in all thought up my own extravagant though and their experience, ideas, interests, individuals, especially those who are a sophisticated policies and strategies needs and desires that should be first, part of groups whose lived experience that in my mind I was sure would ad- foremost and above all in shaping con- is much different from my own, not just dress the issue most effectively. Later, siderations regarding development in in different parts of the world, but while having lunch with my similarly the area. I came up with my foolish pol- including my peers and profs at McGill Caribbeanist friends in a popular icy agenda because I failed to realize Law. In sum, I am now a much better student cafe, I decided to share my this. Focusing exclusively on and mak- global citizen. "Morgan Plan". The reaction? I received ing a big issue of how hurt I was when 15 QUID NOVI

Shortly after the student cafe incident pily with my own, thing to reveal. and my epiphanic moment, I penned what could be interpreted as an at- But I hear your men avoid the den It is you and your own back in your li- tempted guilt-alleviating creative mea locked in rooms watching porno. centious nations, culpa to give voice and experience to the urban poor in the Caribbean and all When I cook I make for mine and who- Who are in the real danger what with other people of the 2/3 World silenced ever might have need, threats of nukes and environmental by the narcissism of people from the degradation. West and their well-meaning, though But I hear you feast in mansions, leav- often deeply damaging attempts at ing on the street those too poor to feed. These 2 things alone can destroy the being of some assistance through their world or at least turn it on its head, colonization-reinforcing escapades My neighbours bug me yes, sometimes (often through, as it happens, such odd, but not so bad, if you don’t do something soon my life things as elite university-sponsored in- to you will one day look like club med. ternships). But I would never think to harm them because they were from a darker clan. So go home, go home, I implore you, I hope that you enjoy: please, Though my wife and me may disagree, Mr intellectual please let me be. I am we work towards solutions, Cause here we are fulfilled, we laugh fine where i am and live quite and live with ease. comfortably, But where you’re from, it really quite dumb, for everything, divorce is the so- In fact you and your fanciful studies You gain grandiose ideas by making lution! garner quite the ridicule, study of me. Even this root i’ve chewed since a boy Cause it’s not us who are in trouble, it’s You tell me my life is shit and must be of two, and have never known a your feet that are covered saved from punishing poverty. "common cold", in the camel’s stool.

But i have my health and strength and But often your fancy cures are found to (end) my loving family, harm, recalled and can’t be sold. Let me be clear in noting that the opin- But this you just dismiss and say its So please mr. Intellectual, let me be let ion expressed above is solely that of the much more that i need. me be, author and doesn't necessarily reflect the views of BLSAM, BLSAC or any of You’re so quick to point to all my “prob- I have got everything i need, praise be their members. I would also like to lems”, you pen papers on what i lack, to the Almighty. stress that if anyone feels personally of- fended by my remarks, note that this is But your people live in wealth yet are Despite what you think, your study of not my intention. In response, I suggest all depressed and fat. me makes you look like quite the fool, that you contact and speak with me di- rectly and/or (as has always been your Your children cannot pay attention for Because here we have a saying, make right) that you feel free to submit a re- longer than 10 seconds, your bed before you leave for school. sponse to the Quid. Taking such an open, honest and direct approach is And your schools are full of fools who You say you're interested and care, but more constructive than creating a situ- only learn to play with weapons. really, that's hard to believe, ation wherein I or any one of my peers gets a message that suggests that You have your nice roads and fancy Would you still "care" for me if it didn’t someone needs to get certain individu- cars, but tell me this, boost your bloody CV? als and/or group(s) to tone it down be- cause of the bad PR that is being Aren’t your streets full of teen-killing al- I think not, i think not, so bug off, go created for small minority organizations coholics? find a bed of rocks, at the Faculty and also beware of the resulting negative effects this could I love my wife and daughter, they know I live my life with leisure but you, you’re have for "us". My understanding is that their beauty is divine, enslaved by clocks. "Notions of Citizenship" is largely about fostering constructive and collective But your women crazily cut their faces We've had enough talk, I really must go dialogue, not tapping into divisive to rid them of their lines. to tend to my fields, forces that harm the name of this world-class law school which is, of Each night I sit at home and laugh hap- But grab your pad and pen I have 1 last course, all of ours. 16 27 OCTOBRE 2009 continued from p.2

Rather, it was in 1998. For the last 11 come an enlightened reader. The only years our Earth has not observed any thing I am sure of, as I conclude my increase in global temperatures. This is week of newsreading, is that CO2 may despite the fact that carbon dioxide, the or may not be the main culprit of our man-made gas presumed to be respon- impending Armageddon. This essen- sible for warming our planet, is contin- tially means that I am no more cog- uing to rise. What in the world is going nizant of global warming today, then on? According to research conducted by when I was when I first read Hudson’s Professor Don Easterbrook from West- report. Now that is an inconvenient ern Washington University, ocean and truth. global temperatures are correlated. The oceans, he claims, warm and cool cycli- Note: Paul Hudson’s report can be re- cally. And the most important one, for trieved at: instance, is the Pacific decadal oscilla- tion (PDO). In the 1980s and 1990s, the http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8299079.st PDO, in addition to global tempera- m tures, were warmer than average. Re- cently, however, the PDO has been Rex Murphy’s article can be retrieved starting to cool down. Global warming at: skeptics are patting their backs. I mean, this is what they have been saying all http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news along: if man is heating up our world, /opinions/michael-ignatieff-should- he isn’t nearly as hot as nature. t h i n k - o u t s i d e - t h e - g r e e n - box/article1327161/ Not everyone, however, is pleased with the fact that the debate on global warming is far from concluded. Rex Murphy, a Globe and Mail columnist, stated the following in response to the BBC report: “I picture Al Gore reaching for the holy Evian water and loosing a jeremiad: “Out, apostates! By my hemp underwear, and in the name of Kyoto and the IPCC, by the heel and toe of the carbon footprint, I declare thee excom- municate and anathema. In the name of bicycle paths, twisty bulbs, windmills and slow-flush toilets, carbon offsets and compost heaps, I declare the BBC heretical.” The BBC report came out on Tuesday October 13, 2009. Merely a week and a half later, the Montreal Gazette launched a new column whereby Albert Nerenberg intends to examine the “practical, personal and weird sides of climate change.” In his first column, Nerenberg cautions that we need to make love, not emissions: “we [only] have a matter of years to rein in carbon dioxide” or face its po- tentially disastrous consequences. Umm. Did he not read the BBC report? Or am I, like Nerenberg, a victim of a confusing news empire where the peo- ple are ruled by contradictory and in- consistent information. My point: I am finding it increasingly difficult to be- 17 QUID NOVI

What an exciting time to be a law student…

On Thursday October 22, 2009, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Bill 104, the Quebec law restricting access to English schools, is unconstitutional.

Justice Louis LeBel argued in the decision that, “the legislative response seemed exces- sive in relation to the seriousness of the identified problem and its impact on school clientele and, potentially, on the situation of the French language in Quebec."

In honor of this ruling, the Quid Novi proposes launching What Say You?, a column pre- senting student and faculty reactions, opinions and personal experiences relating to the recent SCC decision. The goal of the column will be to get people talking about the rul- ing. Its ultimate success will depend on your participation.

Submissions for the column should be emailed to [email protected] by Thursday October 29th at 5 p.m.

18