Interested in law school? Join us Tuesday, Nov. 6 over pizza to discuss law school admissions

Interested in law school? Join the Society of Law and Justice Tuesday, November 6 from noon to 1:00 in SSB 213 for a pizza lunch and discussion with Prof. Terry Price of the University of Washington School of Law. Prof. Price will be discussing both the program at the University of Washington and the law school admissions policy in general.

Student Independent Study: "Locational Privacy in the data Age in Conflict with the Third-Party Doctrine"

Mark Turberville, Post-Baccalaureate in Paralegal Studies 2018, completed a semester-long independent study with Prof. Ryan Fortson with a a power point presentation on the third-party doctrine, a doctrine that is the subject of  Carpenter v. United States, currently before the United States Supreme Court. In addition to working with Prof. Fortson, Turberville received editorial support from Prof. Kristin Knudsen, Legal Studies Coordinator.

Mark Turberville presents on the third-party doctrine, a
paper developed during a semester-long independent study.

Turberville's paper, "Locational Privacy in the Data Age in Conflict with the Third-Party Doctrine," examines the interplay between an individual's right to be free from unlawful search and seizure as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and technological advances that are creating opportunities for collecting personal data unanticipated and unprotected by existing law. In particular, the ability of cell phone technology to gather locational data without the knowledge or consent of the holder of the cell phone.

Turberville traces the evolution of Fourth Amendment protections from the privacy of a person's home, to the privacy of the contents of posted letters, to the content of telephone communications, to the content of email communications, explaining how at each step courts have determined when a person's expectation of privacy is reasonable. In the 1970s, the courts made the delineation that when information is shared with a third party — such as a bank — there is no longer an expectation of privacy and that information may be obtained by police without a search warrant. Since the 1970s, when the third-party doctrine was established, technology has changed greatly and the breadth of information that has been allowed to be collected without full Fourth Amendment protections has also increased dramatically.

For instance, Turberville describes "pinging," where a government agent calls a target cell phone and hangs up without letting it ring. The "ping" allows the agent to collect cell site information and track the location of the phone, although the holder of the phone has taken no action.

Cell tower location information is routinely subpoenaed by law enforcement agencies, according to Turberville. And the volume is high — "From July 2015 to June 2016, for example, AT&T received 75,302 requests for cell phone location information." (p. 15).

But, as Turberville points out, the third-party doctrine is coming under fire from legal scholars and some state courts for leaving too much power in the hands of government. Eleven states have rejected the doctrine, and, based on comments in other decisions and Alaska constitutional protection of privacy, Turberville believes Alaska may reject the doctrine in the future.

In November 2017, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in Carpenter v. United States, where the defense challenged the use of the third-party doctrine in the long-term surveillance involving smartphone data without a warrant. Data was transmitted and logged even when "location services" on the phone were turned off.

A decision is expected this summer.

Reference

• "Locational Privacy in the Data Age in Conflict with the Third-Party Doctrine" (slide presentation) by Mark Turberville. Legal Studies independent study presentation, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, 2 May 2018.

Student independent study: "The Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Among Attorneys"

Mackenzie Gilpin, B.A. Legal Studies 2018, completed a semester-long independent study with Prof. Ryan Fortson with a a Powerpoint presentation on her work this week. In addition to Prof. Fortson, Gilpin received editorial support from Prof. Kristin Knudsen, Legal Studies Coordinator.

Left to right: Mackenzie Gilpin, Prof. Ryan Fortson,
 and Mark Turberville following independent study presentations

Gilpin's paper, "The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Attorneys," investigates the relatively high prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse among attorneys as compared to the general population, possible causes, and suggestions for improvement. She draws upon multiple studies, including one conducted by Patrick Krill in 2016.

Gilpin reports a correlation between the stress levels experienced during law school and during the practice of law that contribute to the likelihood of attorneys developing mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. Heavy course loads, competition, and lack of feedback from professors, she writes, are some of the reasons for stress in law school. Dissatisfaction with the practice of law, case overloads, and pressure to specialize are reasons Gilpin cites for stress among practicing attorneys.

Mckenzie Gilpin presents on her independent study regarding
mental illness and substance abuse among attorneys.

Lawyers with substance abuse problems are more likely to be involved in disciplinary proceedings that those without substance abuse problems. The American Bar Association has estimated that 50-60% of all disciplinary cases involved substance abuse, according to Gilpin.

After presenting the problem, Gilpin discusses different avenues open to attorneys for addressing the issue. These include seeking treatment and participating in lawyer assistance programs, as well as promoting law firm policies that encourage treatment without endangering job status. Gilpin also suggests that creating a less stressful environment in law school and better communication between students and professors could also reduce the incidence of mental health and substance use disorders among attorneys.

Reference

• "The Mental Health and Substance Abuse among Attorneys" (slide presentation) by Mackenzie Gilpin. Legal Studies independent study presentation, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, 2 May 2018.

Students inducted into National Criminal Justice Honor Society

(left to right:) Alexis Williams; Jennifer Menjivar; Mackenzie Gilpin; Laura Eagle; Liza Then; Bethany Jenner;
Dr. Ryan Fortson; Kara Stewart; Benjamin Schmidt. Not picture: Sevy Sheppard and Luke Simonson.

Prof. Ryan Fortson, Justice faculty presided over the induction of students into Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society on April 3. Congratulations to new members:Alexis Williams (Justice major); Jennifer Menjivar (Legal Studies major); Mackenzie Gilpin (Legal Studies major); Laura Eagle (Legal Studies major); Liza Then (Legal Studies major); Bethany Jenner (Legal Studies major); Kara Stewart (Legal Studies major); Benjamin Schmidt (Justice major); Sevy Sheppard (Justice major); and Luke Simonson (Justice major).

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice as well as juris doctorate students. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Society of Law & Justice upcoming events - includes ACLU speaker March 1

On Thursday, March 1, the Society of Law and Justice welcomes Rashika Rakibullah, lead organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, as guest speaker at their general meeting. Rakibullah will talk about her job and how she has come to this field of work. The meeting begins at 6p.m. in SSB 118 and is open to the public.

Other events being planned include:

• Panel discussion with Anchorage Police Department officers and administrators on policing procedures in recognition of National Criminal Justice Month. The discussion is scheduled for March 29, at 7p.m. in SSB 118 and is open to the public.
• End of year club meeting, April 26, offering students an opportunity to relax before finals by playing Mario Kart and enjoying free food.

New APCAAA scholarship — $1000 min.— deadline Feb. 15

New Anchorage Police Citizen Academy Alumni Association Scholarship for students enrolled at UAA in Bachelor of Arts in Justice or Legal Studies or Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. $1,000 per academic year (minimum) is now available. Students must be residents of Alaska and have a 2.0 GPA. The deadline for applying is February 15, 2018. Go to https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/financial-aid/scholarships/

Anchorage Police Citizen Academy Alumni Association (APCAAA) is a non-profit voluntary organization of interested Academy graduates who join to promote and improve community relations, provide continuing education, increase community involvement, and assist and support the Anchorage Police Department.

Congratulations to 2017 grads!

L-R: Troy Payne, Deb Periman, Allan Barnes,
Sharon Chamard, Brad Myrstol, and Ron Everett.
Not pictured: Kristin Knudsen and Ryan Fortson

Sharon Chamard, UAA Faculty Senate President and Justice faculty, spoke at UAA commencement on Sunday and encouraged graduates to "to lift up those around you, to contribute to the betterment of the world, or just your tiny corner of it.  Do what you can to ensure that others coming behind you have the same or even better opportunities than you have had."

Read the full text of Chamard's inspiring speech below:

As President of the Faculty Senate, and on behalf of the faculty, it is my honor and privilege to congratulate all of you graduates for your success and accomplishments.

Whether this is part of your life plan hatched as a toddler and you fully expected to be sitting here today, or you are looking around in amazement, wondering how you pulled off this tremendous feat of completing a university degree, you are all now members of an elite group—those who have had the good fortune of living in a time and place that provides broad opportunities for higher education.
 
Indeed, you are part of the most educated generation in the history of the world. Did you know, for example that in 1960, shortly after Alaska became a state, only 10% of Alaskan adults had a Bachelor’s degree? That percentage has increased every year, and now we’re close to 30%. Globally, right now fewer than 10% of adults have a college degree.

With this good fortune and privilege comes a responsibility, to lift up those around you, to contribute to the betterment of the world, or just your tiny corner of it.  Do what you can to ensure that others coming behind you have the same or even better opportunities than you have had.
 
Right now, despite the festivities of the day, you may be worried about your own future, about getting a good job, and about paying back your student loans. But I guarantee you, you have what it takes to not only continue to succeed in your own life, but to help others around you succeed.  It takes persistence and commitment to get where you are today, and you can model that behavior to your siblings, your children, your coworkers, your friends, and the people in your community.

For faculty, seeing you all turn the page to your next amazing story is tremendously gratifying. We hope you will look back on this chapter of the book of your life with fondness, appreciation, and a sense of accomplishment.
 
Now, I ask my faculty colleagues to join me in recognizing you for your success and thanking you for sharing a part of your valuable life with us.
 

Congratulations to Justice Center fall and summer 2017 grads!

With Fall 2017 Commencement this weekend, join us in congratulating Justice Center fall and summer  2017 graduates!

This fall, 15 students received a B.A. in Justice, nine received a B.A. in Legal Studies, three received an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies and one received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies.

This summer three students graduated, one with a B.A. in Legal Studies, one with a B.A. in Justice, and one with a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies.

We also congratulate the five students who are receiving a Justice minor and two students receiving a Legal Studies minor this fall.

Best wishes on your future success!

Legal Ethics students participate in diversity luncheon

Students in Prof. Deb Periman's  Legal Ethics class A215 were invited to participate in the 2017 Diversity Luncheon titled: Diversity in Our Community: Stories Affecting Our Lives. Senior Justice Dana Fabe, Retired Alaska Supreme Court Justice, moderated the conversation between Shauna Hegna, President Koniag, Inc., Jo-Ann Chung, District Court Judge, Karina Waller, Executive Director, Ted Stevens Foundation, and Mark Kroloff, Principal, First Alaskan Capital Partner, LLC.

Students talk with Supreme Court Justice Maasen and Clerk of Appellate Courts Marilyn May

Seal of the State of Alaska that hangs
in the courtroom of the
Alaska Supreme Court.

Alaska Supreme Court
Justice Peter Maasen

Students in Prof. Deb Periman's Legal Studies Senior Seminar (LEGL A489) attended class in the Alaska Supreme Court Conference Room on October 23. Marilyn May, clerk of the appellate courts, talked with students about the appellate process and briefing. Students toured the Alaska Supreme Court and the records office. They also met with Alaska Supreme Court Justice Peter Maasen who spoke with them about legal writing and the best and most difficult parts of being a justice.

Judge Henderson speaks with Society of Law & Justice students

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jennifer Henderson speaks with
 Society of Law and Justice students. Photo by Hideki Kimura.

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jennifer Henderson spoke at the general meeting of the the Society of Law and Justice on Thursday, Oct. 19. Gov. Walker appointed Henderson to the Superior Court in May 2017. A 2001 Yale Law School graduate, she had served as a District Court judge in Anchorage since 2013. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Henderson clerked for Alaska Supreme Court Justice Warren Matthews and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw. She served as assistant district attorney in Anchorage and practiced with the law firm of Farley & Graves.

Family law practitioner Blake Quackenbush speaks to Society of Law & Justice Thursday

Students are invited to a general meeting of the UAA Society of Law & Justice, Thursday October 5,  at 5:45 p.m. in SSB 118. If you think you may be interested in joining the club and want to learn more, drop by for pizza and soda and a chance to hear Blake Quackenbush talk about what it's like to practice family law.

Students meet with Alaska Justice Bolger, Judge Hanley and Law Librarian Falk

Alaska Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger talks with students
in Legal Ethics, A215, class. Photo credit, Mara Rabinowitz,
Communications Counsel, Alaska Court System.

Students in Prof. Deborah Periman's Legal Ethics (A215) class met with Alaska Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger, Alaska District Court Judge Patrick Hanley, and Alaska State Law Librarian Susan Falk this week. Justice Bolger and Judge Hanley spoke to students about their roles and the jurisdiction of Alaska's trial and appellate courts, as well as fielded questions from students. Students received an overview of what happens in court from the time of an arrest or a civil complaint, the roles of judges and other court employees and jobs available in the Alaska justice system. Susan Falk described law library resources for students.

New Society of Law and Justice provides students more opportunities

The Justice Club won a Club Council  award for campus involvement and cooperation among clubs this year. To provide students even greater opportunities in coming years, the Justice Club merged with the Pre-Law Society to form the new Society of Law and Justice.

Students in Justice and Legal Studies often look at law enforcement or law school opportunities, but Justice is much more broad, said Alex Cole, President of the new club.

Alex Cole, President of new Society of Law and Justice, and
Joseph Mizl, Vice President of Legal Studies. Not pictured,
Sevy Sheppard, Vice President of Justice.

Joseph Mizl is the new club's Vice President of Legal Studies and Sevy Sheppard is Vice President of Justice, two positions established by the Society of Law and Justice's constitution.

This summer there will be a few business meetings to talk about campus kick-off and to establish a web presence.

Check out Facebook over the summer for more info.

Congratulations to 2017 Justice and Legal Studies grads!

Join us in congratulating our 2017 UAA Justice Center graduates! This year, 31 students earned a degree in Justice, 15 with Honors having a GPA of 3.5 or above. A dozen students graduated in the Legal Studies program, three with Honors. We are very proud of our students and their accomplishments! Best wishes on their future success!

Need to break the silence continues beyond April

Justice Club wraps up "Breaking the Silence" event during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every Tuesday and Thursday in April, club members  provided an opportunity for people to share their words or story to raise awareness and break the silence about sexual assault.

Media coverage:

 "UAA Breaking the Silence" (video) by Joshua Maxwell.  KTBY Fox 4 / YourAlaskaLink.com, 26 Apr 2017.

Justice Club member Joseph Mizel being interviewed
by KTBY Fox 4 reporter about "Breaking the Silence."

Justice Club member Joseph McMahon pins
Break the Silence button on Dr. Allan Barnes,
Justice faculty.

Justice Club members L-R Austin Rogers, Brad Foster,
Alex Cole and Joey Sweet.

Students inducted into National Criminal Justice Honor Society

Prof. Ryan Fortston (middle) with Alpha Phi Sigma inductees L-R:
 Jenna Mixon, Josephine Davis,  Shiela Morrison,
and Jared Dee at event earlier this month.

Prof. Ryan Fortson, Justice faculty presided over the induction of students into  Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Congratulations to new members: Josephine Davis (Justice major, Legal Studies minor); Jared Dee (Justice major); Hideki Kimura (Justice major); Joseph McMahon (Justice major); Joshua Medina (Justice major); Jennifer Merly (Justice major); Jenna Mixson (Justice major); Shiela Morrison  (Legal Studies major).

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice as well as juris doctorate students. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Want to learn more about justice in Anchorage?

Austin Rodgers, Justice Club  secretary.
   Photo credit: Young Kim

"If you want to really learn about what happens behind the scenes — to a certain extent — in regards to Anchorage and what really happens to the justice side of it, the [Justice] club is in a perfect spot right now to where you can learn about that,” Brad Foster, club president and criminal justice major told the Northern Light.

Justice Club's emphasis on service and its effort to strengthen year-to-year student involvement is driving a merger with the Pre-Law Society. "Pre-Law Society is actually going to be dissolving into the Justice Club, and the new club is going to be called the Society of Law and Justice," Foster said.

Interested in learning more: check out the end of year Mario Kart Drive for Justice bash April 21 at 6p.m. in North Hall 2nd floor lounge. Or go to a meeting. The club meets every other Friday at 5:30p.m. in room 119 of the Social Science Building. The next meeting is April 14. Questions? uaa_justiceclub@alaska.edu

Students take sides in wrongful death mock trial

Mark Heinrichs gives his opening statement in mock trial.

Prof. Kristin Knudsen judges mock trial in Prof. Ryan Fortson's Trial and
Advanced Litigation Processes class (LEGL487).

Students in Prof. Ryan Fortson's Trial and Advanced Litigation Processes class recently participated in a mock trial. Students performed all elements of the civil wrongful death trial, including opening and closing statements, examination of witnesses, laying the foundation for expert witnesses, and making objections. Prof. Kristin Knudsen, Legal Studies faculty who has spent more than eight years as an administrative law judge, served as judge for the trial. Judge Knudsen found mostly for the defense, although did find for the plaintiff on a couple of points.

First UAA 3+3 student April Stone admitted to Willamette University School of Law

April Stone (center) with her daughter, Shailynn (left)
and Willamette University School of Law
Dean Curtis Bridgeman at a reception earlier this year.

April Stone, Justice  major, is the first UAA student to be admitted to Willamette University School of Law 3+3 accelerated law school program under the 3+3 admissions agreement with UAA. Ms. Stone started at Willamette fall semester 2016.

Prof. Deb Periman, J.D., Justice Center Legal Studies faculty, worked with Willamette to develop the 3+3 program and is UAA’s point of contact for program advising.