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.

Keep the Hang, Not the Hangover: UAA hosts day of conversation about alcohol and college life Oct. 16

"Keep the Hang, Not the Hangover: A day of conversation on alcohol and college life” on October 16 invites students to join in three conversations on alcohol use and misuse, experiences and campus resources for recovery, and shared responsibility in responding to alcohol misuse and its related harms.

• Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
• Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
• Place: UAA/APU Consortium Library, LIB 307
• Admission: Free for all UAA and Anchorage community members
• Registration: Register for one, two, or all three conversations through this link or follow the individual links below. The three conversations can be attended in full or individually.
• Parking: Free parking in Library Lot

The event is sponsored by the UAA College of Health, the UAA Alcohol, Drug and Wellness Education Program, and Recover Alaska.

You Good, Bro? — 10:00 AM

Register at yougoodbro.eventbrite.com. — This conversation will explore the spectrum of alcohol misuse and give participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into their own relationship to alcohol. We will look at the current conversation around alcohol use and misuse and discuss topics ranging from social norms to the stress of transitions.

Sober is the New Drunk — 11:30 AM (lunch included)

Register at soberisthenewdrunk.eventbrite.com. — A session focusing on the resources available to students on campus Recovering students and on-campus student supports will be invited to participate in a panel. Discussion will be guided around questions about alcohol abuse and recovery.

Designated: Responsibility and Consumption — 12:30 PM

Register at designated.eventbrite.com. — Join us as we discuss individual and communal responsibility, talk about bystander intervention and look at ways to increase our collective sense of responsibility around impaired driving, interpersonal violence, mental health, and excessive alcohol consumption.

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.

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.

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.

Non-adversarial alternative courts provide challenge and rewards

Alternative or therapeutic courts are probably one of the biggest movements in the judiciary since the Judiciary Act of 1789, Assistant Professor Cory Lepage, Justice faculty, told a nearly standing room only audience at a panel discussion on alternative courts last week in the Lew Haines Conference Room at the UAA/APU Consortium Library.

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Deborah Smith, Federal Probation Officer Chris Liedike, Assistant District Attorney Heather Nobrega, and Assistant Public Defender Ben Muse spoke of their experiences in alternative courts in an event sponsored by the UAA Justice Club as part of National Criminal Justice Month.

R-L: Assistant District Attorney Heather Nobrega, Assistant Public Defender
Ben Muse, U.S. District Magistrate Judge Deborah Smith, and
Federal Probation Officer Chris Liedike

The non-adversarial courts bring prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, probation officer and defendant together to craft a set of requirements that often include intense outpatient treatment, random UAs, getting a job or doing volunteer work, and regular updates to the court for 12 to 18 months. 

"It’s a lot easier to sit on your butt in jail,” Assistant D.A. Heather Nobrega said.

The non-adversarial approach takes some getting used to, according to Assistant P. D. Ben Muse. “Heather and I are trial lawyers, people don’t always play nice.” 

“We have different perspectives,” Nobrega said, adding, “The judge makes the ultimate decision.”

Both agree, though, on the success of the court and its ability to support defendants and helping to keep them from re-offending.

Judge Deborah  Smith presides over the Alaska Hope Court – a pilot project at the federal level.  Probation Officer Chris Liedike, a reentry specialist, works with defendants in the program.

It’s a carrot and stick approach with immediate and proportional sanctions, Judge Smith said. A positive UA results in immediate jail time, two days if the defendant is truthful, four days if not truthful.

Judge Smith invited audience members to visit her court, which is in session every other Thursday in courtroom 4 in the federal building. “It’s open to the public,” she said. “Feel free to come and join us or intern with us.”

Alternative court panel discussion Thursday, March 30

Join the UAA Justice Club as they present a panel discussion of alternative courts in Alaska's state and federal district courts.

• Date: Thursday, March 30
• Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Location: UAA/APU Consortium Library, LIB 307
• Admission: Free

Drug courts, veteran courts and reentry courts offer offenders an opportunity to work with a collaborative team toward treatment and rehabilitation. Learn more about how these courts operate with:

• U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Smith
• Federal Probation Officer Chris Liedike
• Assistant Professor Cory Lepage
• Assistant Public Defender Ben Muse
• Assistant District Attorney Heather Nobrega

National Criminal Justice Month events are sponsored by the Justice Center and the UAA Justice Club.

Professors Rivera and Knudsen present at College of Health Howl Days Frosh Orientation

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Prof. Kristin Knudsen, J.D., M.J.S., Legal Studies Undergraduate Program Coordinator, presented at the Fall 2016 Howl Days College of Health (COH) freshman orientation on Tuesday, August 23.

They described the academic programs offered by the Justice Center, Justice student organizations, and career opportunities.

L to r standing: Dr. Marny Rivera and Prof. Kristin Knudsen, discuss the
various Justice and Legal Studies courses offered by the Justice Center.

Professors Rivera and Knudsen to present at College of Health Howl Days Frosh Orientation on August 23

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Prof. Kristin Knudsen, J.D., Legal Studies Undergraduate Program Coordinator, will present at the Fall 2016 Howl Days College of Health (COH) freshman orientation on Tuesday, August 23.

They will be describing the academic programs offered by the Justice Center, Justice student organizations, and career opportunities.

Dr. Rivera and Prof. Knudsen present at Howl Days frosh orientation for College of Health

Standing l to r: Prof. Knudsen and Dr. Rivera count hands of students who have declared a major.

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Prof. Kristin Knudsen, J.D., Legal Studies faculty in the Justice Center, participated in the Fall 2015 Howl Days College of Health (COH) freshman orientation on August 19.

L to r: Dr. Rivera and Prof. Knudsen  - complete with crime scene
tape on the podium - await students and their parents.

COH was the first college to experiment with a new type of orientation schedule in fall 2014 for students, and this year marks the second anniversary for this format.

Over 100 students and parents attended the presentations made by Dr. Rivera and Prof. Knudsen which included information on Justice and Legal Studies degree programs, career options, and descriptions of courses.

Pizza and mass advising at November pizza party for Justice and Legal Studies students

Pizza and course schedules!

Justice and Legal Studies students and faculty enjoyed Moose's Tooth pizza and other goodies at the Fall 2014 Pizza and Advising Party on November 5 at the Justice Center.

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Prof. Deb Periman, J.D., Legal Studies Program Coordinator, used the event as an opportunity for "mass advising" and planning for Spring 2015 course schedules. 

Prof. Jason Brandeis J.D., (seated left) and Dr. Marny Rivera (standing center)
talk with students about next semester's courses.

Students enjoy the Moose's Tooth pizza.

See the UAA Says NO MORE video PSA - part of the campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault

L to r: Simona Gerdts and Kristen Speyerer wearing t-shirts
with the NO MORE logo.
(photo by Philip Hall, University of Alaska)

This "UAA says NO MORE" video PSA was created as part of the "UAA Says No More" campaign launched during the Fall 2013 semester. This effort originated in the degree capstone project for Simona Gerdts and Kristen Speyerer, Justice majors/Legal Studies minors, who received their BAs in Justice in May 2014. The UAA video PSA features students, faculty, and staff.

As part of the project, they worked to co-brand the campaign with the "NO MORE" national campaign  — a nationwide effort to increase greater awareness and action to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

The video production and editing were donated by Eric Baldwin, Media Technician, UAA Academic Innovations & ELearning.

Following their graduation, Simona and Kristen have continued to be involved in this important effort. UAA Says NO MORE has transitioned to a statewide organization. Learn more about the NO MORE AK campaign and the UAA NO MORE Alliance, a student club.

NO MORE PSAs have been filmed by numerous organizations around the country, including recently by the National Football League (NFL). The "UAA says NO MORE" PSA has been featured on the national NO MORE website.

Join us on Wednesday, Nov 5 for "Stopped by Police?" - learn about your rights, what to expect and say - from panel of APD and ACLU experts

Dr. Troy Payne, Justice faculty, moderates a panel - "Stopped by Police?" -  on Wednesday, November 5, co-sponsored by the Anchorage Community Police Relations Task Force, the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, the Anchorage Police Department, and the UAA Justice Center.

What: "Stopped by Police?"
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Place: UAA/APU Consortium Library, LIB 307
Parking: Free in Library surface lots and East Garage by Conoco-Phillips Integrated Sciences Building

Experts from the Anchorage Police Department and the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska will discuss the topics below and answer questions from the audience:

• What to expect
• What to say
• What are my rights?
• Can an officer search my car?
• Do passengers have to provide ID?
• When can officers pull me over?
• Why do officers always shine their flashlight in my eyes?

Join us at the Justice Center for pizza and academic advising on Wednesday, November 5!

2013 Pizza Party

Justice and Legal Studies students, alums, and faculty are invited for pizza and academic advising!

What: Pizza and Advising!
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Justice Center, Consortium Library, 2nd flr, LIB 213

• Drop in for pizza and soft drinks.
• Meet your advisors, professors, and fellow students.
• Get answers to advising questions.
• Plan your spring schedule.

Hope to see you Wednesday!

Sam Erickson, Pre-Law Society member, and his teammate win the 2014 Madison Cup

L t r: German Banquero and Sam Erickson just after
correctly answering the final question in the
2014 Madison Cup and securing the championship.

Sam Erickson, Pre-Law Society member, and German Banquero were the team winners of the 2014 Madison Cup competition held in September.  This is an annual event sponsored by the UAA Department of Political Science to test students' knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.  Five teams participated in the competition this year.

One of the many remarkable moments during the competition happened when a judge requested Team Number One - Banquero and Erickson - to expand on a question asking what the goals of the Constitution are. In unison, the teammates recited the Preamble to the United States Constitution. (They repeated the performance again after the competition – watch it on YouTube.)

First-place winners German Baquero and Sam Erickson each received a copy of The Heritage Guide to the Constitution and an engraved mug. The second-place finishers, Hans and Karl Rodvick, each received a copy of the Constitution and a gift certificate to the UAA Campus Bookstore.

For additional information about the Madison Cup, visit the Department of Political Science website.

Read the full story in the September 24, Green & Gold News:
"Congratulations to 2014 Madison Cup winners German Banquero and Sam Erickson"

 

The first and second place teams (far right and left) with the four
competition judges.

Dr. Barnes participates in First-Year Faculty Social event for UAA students in North Hall dorm

L to r: Dr. Allan Barnes and Dr. Bruce Schultz,
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, at the event.

Dr. Allan Barnes, Justice faculty, and nearly 20 other UAA faculty and staff members met with first-year students on September 3 at the North Hall "First-Year Faculty Social."

The social gave first-year students living on campus the opportunity to engage with faculty members teaching fall semester 100-level courses that are part of the general education requirements (GERs) for the university.

The event also gave faculty the chance to see the classroom in North Hall that can be scheduled for courses. The classroom has iPads for 20
students and is equipped with "smart technology."

Ryan Hill, North Hall & First-Year Experience Residence Coordinator, organized this event  in response to research that shows students who are able to connect with faculty early in their education experience tend to stay in college and have higher GPAs at graduation.

Prof. Fortson's JUST 487 students present mock oral arguments to Alaska Court of Appeals Judge Mannheimer

Before oral argument.  Front row l to r: Reginald Silvernail, Rebecca Hartley,
Stacy Wilson, Judith Stefchak, Jamaar Brown. Back row l to r: Simona Gerdts, Kayla Wilke, William Honeycutt,
Judge David Mannheimer, Prof. Ryan Fortson, Joshua Spring. Not pictured: Abbie Lawley.

Prof. Ryan Fortson, J.D., Ph.D., Justice Center Legal Studies faculty, held mock oral arguments in his Justice 487 - Trial and Advanced Litigation Processes course as the final project of the 2014 spring semester.  Students participated in a  moot court  - a mock appellate court proceeding which involves the presentation of oral argument before a judge or a panel of judges.

Students prepared arguments for two hypothetical cases.  Their arguments were presented before Alaska Court of Appeals Judge David Mannheimer who rendered a decision after each case was presented.

Prior to the oral arguments, students prepared briefs on their cases and submitted them to their opposing counsel team and to Prof. Fortson and Judge Mannheimer. Earlier in the semester, the students also participated in a simulated trial, conducting opening statements, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments.