Byron White Center

Fifth Circuit Judge Stephen A. Higginson Provides Valuable Lessons at the 13th Annual Stevens Lecture

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:04:27 +0000

Fifth Circuit Judge Stephen A. Higginson Provides Valuable Lessons at the 13th Annual Stevens Lecture Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/07/2024 - 12:04

Reya Roussel '25

The 13th Annual John Paul Stevens Lecture was held in the Wittemyer Courtroom on Thursday, October 24th. The Honorable Stephen A. Higginson joined the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law to offer “The Nuremberg Trials: Lessons for Law Students, Lawyers, & Judges” to the Colorado Law community. Judge Higginson has served in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit since 2011 and is currently serving as the presiding judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review.

In 1988, Judge Higginson clerked for Justice Byron White and is the first former clerk to Justice Byron White to offer the Annual Stevens Lecture. The courtroom was packed with over 100 in-person attendees while nearly 200 attendees watched virtually.

In conversation with White Center Director, Professor Deep Gulasekaram, Judge Higginson analyzed the histories and decisions made by attorneys, judges, and medical professionals throughout the rise of the Nazi party, World War II, and the resulting Nuremberg Trials. Judge Higginson used his extensive research of the Nuremberg Trials to show how organizational affiliation can affect one’s legal career. Ambition and community dedication led early 20th century judges, doctors, and lawyers to support the rise of the Nazi Regime during a difficult time in Germany. The lesson here: even field experts and studied scholars can fall victim to group-think and the unfortunate subjugation of others. Judge Higginson warned the Colorado Law community to be wary of the organizations that can gain your loyalty and membership. These things can follow your career and affect your better judgment.

Second year law student McKenzie Porter attended the lecture and noted, “Judge Higginson’s lecture was an important reminder, especially as students in the day-to-day grind of law school, to look beyond our own goals and ambition when building our professional value systems and careers. Regardless of the role that affiliation in different groups might play in one’s life, it is definitely a danger when that leads to putting down others. It was interesting to hear about pockets of humanity in history: from those acquitted in the Nuremberg trials to the judges in Louisiana who resisted the external pressures and desegregated schools.”

Despite the risks that are associated with strong affiliations, Judge Higginson encouraged those with ambitions to become public servants and field experts. He instructed attendees to trust public servants and experts but never be afraid to question them; never be afraid to criticize judicial opinions and extrajudicial activities.; and make a point to participate in judicial selection and ethics. Porter added, “Nevertheless, accountability and open discourse is critical, so I definitely feel more confident to challenge assumptions or practices across the board after Judge Higginson so strongly encouraged it.”

After the lecture, several attendees accompanied Judge Higginson and several other Colorado jurists and attorneys for dinner. Students were able to connect with legal practitioners informally and share common experiences. Judge Higginson shared more intriguing stories throughout the evening. Porter expressed, “I really enjoyed the dinner afterward, particularly the chance to converse with a wide variety of people: from professors I haven’t taken yet, Colorado Law staff I had yet to meet, and Colorado Supreme Court justices that I had only ever seen from afar. It was wonderful!”

If you missed this event, take a moment to watch the lecture and take in Judge Higginson’s lessons for yourself. Join the Byron White Center in 2025 for more exciting events with distinguished speakers covering emerging developments in constitutional law.

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Judge Stephen A. Higginson to Deliver 13th Annual Stevens Lecture

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:51:09 +0000

Judge Stephen A. Higginson to Deliver 13th Annual Stevens Lecture Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/20/2024 - 09:51

The Byron R. White Center is proud to present the Thirteenth Annual John Paul Stevens Lecture on Thursday, October 24. This year's guest jurist will be The Honorable Stephen A. Higginson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the Presiding Judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. Judge Higginson’s lecture is entitled, The Nuremberg Trials: Lessons for Law Students, Lawyers, and Judges. He is the first former law clerk to Justice Byron R. White to deliver the Stevens Lecture.

Each year, this event brings a distinguished jurist to Colorado Law to discuss judging and the state of the judiciary. The Stevens Lecture was inaugurated in September 2011 by the event’s namesake, U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Each year, the Lecture presents an opportunity for law students, lawyers, and community members to learn about the jurists’ approach to the bench and their career, hear their advice for students and advocates, and better understand their legal philosophy.

The lecture will take place in Wittemyer Courtroom at the Wolf Law Building, 2450 Kittredge Loop Drive, ��«��Ƶ, CO 80305, from 5-6:30 p.m. Judge Higginson's remarks will be followed by a Q&A with Colorado Law students and a reception in Boettcher Hall from 6:30-7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Judge Higginson to Colorado Law for the 13th annual Stevens Lecture,” Said Deep Gulasekaram, Director of the Byron White Center. “Judge Higginson brings with him a wealth of wisdom from his distinguished career as a jurist as well as his years of practice as an Assistant United States Attorney and teaching as a law professor. I am thrilled that our community will be able to learn from him."

Judge Higginson serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was nominated by Barack Obama in 2011, to a seat vacated by Judge Jacques L. Wiener, Jr. He was confirmed by the Senate on October 31, 2011, and received commission on November 2, 2011. In addition, in February 2021, Chief Justice John G. Roberts of the United States Supreme Court designated Judge Higginson to serve on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. Since August 16, 2023, Judge Higginson has served as the presiding judge of the FISCR. .

Judge Higginson is a graduate of Harvard College, Cambridge University, and Yale Law School.

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Byron White Center, Silicon Flatirons and the Daniels Fund Convene Explore Bias and the Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence

Anonymous — Thu, 02 May 2024 14:47:04 +0000

Byron White Center, Silicon Flatirons and the Daniels Fund Convene Explore Bias and the Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/02/2024 - 08:47

Matthew Engebretsen & Tori Matson

Colorado Law’s powerhouse organizations—the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law, Silicon Flatirons, and the Daniels Fund—brought together legal scholars, lawyers, entrepreneurs and scientists to examine the ethical challenges posed by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of society. Against the backdrop of technological advancement, the event provided a platform for rigorous discussion and introspection about the legal and ethical implications of AI’s integration into areas as varied as employment, elections , climate change mitigation and space exploration.

Moses Lasky Professor of Law and Director of the White Center, Suzette Malveaux, set the stage for this interdisciplinary exploration of AI’s multi-faceted dimensions and growing impact on the U.S. legal landscape. The April 18^thCLE lunch talk kicked off the larger AI and the Consitution Rothgerber Conference, held the next day. In a packed house, the speakers took on the important topic of critically evaluating the inherent biases and vulnerabilities of AI.

Dr. Newton Campbell, Director of Space Programs at Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE), delivered a thought-provoking address highlighting the nuanced ways in which AI systems are susceptible to bias. Campbell offered the concept of AI as a "useful idiot"—a tool capable of remarkable utility, yet vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. By meticulously examininginjection, infection, evasion, poisoning, and extraction, Campbell underscored the urgent necessity for a deeper understanding of bias within AI systems, especially in cybersecurity.

Building upon Campbell's insights, George Washington Law Professor Spencer Overton, a distinguished scholar and advocate for technological equity, emphasized the broader societal implications of AI bias. Beyond conventional concerns surrounding risk assessment and hiring practices, Overton emphasized the systemic challenges posed by AI in the context of democracy and social cohesion. Drawing attention to the limitations of data scraping and the linguistic biases inherent in AI models, Overton challenged attendees to confront the underlying structural inequities perpetuated by these technologies.

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Professor, Chris Chambers Goodman, expounded upon the ethical obligations incumbent upon legal practitioners when navigating the complex terrain of AI integration. Goodman highlighted the intersection between AI and legal ethics, citing the American Bar Association's model rule against discrimination as a guiding principle for addressing discriminatory conduct related to AI implementation. Goodman outlined six key areas of bias in machine learning, urging legal professionals to proactively engage with emerging technologies to ensure ethical compliance and competence.

With standing room only and more questions than time, the speakers engaged in a lively Q&A session. Campbell, Overton, and Goodman offered their perspectives on possible solutions to mitigate AI’s biased results in hiring and admission practices. For example, Alison Noon McMahon ‘24 asked about the preemptive and reactionary ethical and legal actions employers should take to address AI bias. Overton called for employers to continue to educate themselves and to increase their transparency so that to they can begin constructing AI designs that accurately reflect our society’s pluralist aspirations. Goodman urged for greater collaboration among employers as a means of diversifying their baseline screening models generated by AI. Campbel drew attention to the complexities of determining how retroactive liability gets assigned when employers administer biased hiring technology.

McMahon thought the panel was “spectacular.” She left appreciating the opportunity for urgent legal work “to protect the public from the technology’s downfalls, but also to protect people from themselves and each other” as they familiarize themselves with these unprecedented tools.

As many are inclined to to advance popular AI technologies, Malveaux, Overton, Goodman, and Campbell provided a thoughtful approach for students and legal, tech, and business professionals to proceed with caution. Watch a full recording of the event here, and view more photos in our flickr gallery.

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The 32nd Annual Rothgerber Conference on AI and The Constitution Makes History

Anonymous — Thu, 02 May 2024 13:55:42 +0000

The 32nd Annual Rothgerber Conference on AI and The Constitution Makes History Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/02/2024 - 07:55

Reya Roussel & Michaela Calhoun

On April 19, the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Policy and Entrepreneurship hosted the 32nd Annual Rothgerber Conference on AI and the Constitution. This year’s conference was one of the first of its kind to focus on prevalent issues at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the Constitution. Interdisciplinary scholars, scientists, lawyers and students from around the world gathered at the University of Colorado Law School in ��«��Ƶ to discuss recent AI developments and the impact on the right to privacy, free speech under the First Amendment, and judicial interpretation.

Byron White Center Director and Law Professor, Suzette Malveaux, opened the conference, noting the timely and imperative nature of the topic. Given the power of AI and the recent diminishment of fundamental rights under the Constitution, she emphasized the importance of getting ahead of the curve by bringing together experts to grapple with cutting edge issues at the intersection of tech and constitutional law.

The conference started off strong with Professor of Law and Silicon Flatrions Artificial Intelligence Initiative Director, Harry Surden, delivering the keynote address on the development and more recent explosion of generative Artificial Intelligence. Professor Surden shared recent updates and key limitations of generative AI, while also demonstrating how Chat GPT4 can empower and be used responsibly in the law. Following the keynote, Colorado Law Review Executive Editor, Natalie Tiggleman, introduced the AI and Privacy Panel, moderated by Professor Malveaux. Law Professors Paul Ohm (Georgetown), Christine Goodman (Pepperdine Caruso), Spencer Overton (George Washington), and Scott Skinner-Thompson (University of Colorado) held a lively and interactive discussion about the various ways privacy interests are implicated, in areas such as hiring practices, voting access, and data security.

Professor Surden moderated the second panel discussion, which explored how AI can be used in judicial interpretation of the Constitution and other legal documents. Panelists, Dr. Megan Ma (Stanford) and Law Professors Andrew Coan (Arizona), Vivek Krishnamurthy (University of Colorado), and Yonathan Arbel (Alabama), shared how AI has immense potential to challenge interpretive approaches to constitutional law, while still being approachable and beneficial for practical uses, such as increasing attorney productivity which benefits clients. The final panel focused on AI speech and the First Amendment. Professor Blake Reid, Director of the Telecom and Platforms Initiative at Silicon Flatirons, moderated this fascinating discussion with Dr. Newton Campbell (AROSE), Law Professor Helen Norton (University of Colorado), Law Professor April Dawson (NC Central), and Business Professor Eric Alston (University of Colorado). This panel considered the thorny question of whether AI speech—potentially equal to or superior to human speech—is protected under the First Amendment.

Devin Schultze ‘25, Editor in Chief of the Colorado Law Review, expressed her excitement about the conference: “It was really amazing to witness conversations between lawyers and non-lawyers regarding their thoughts on AI and how it impacts individual rights. That was such a cool component to have two separate disciplines come together and hear the discourse that AI and the Constitution creates.”

Many of the remarkable speakers featured at the Rothgerber Conference on AI and the Constitution will be publishing their scholarship in an upcoming special Symposium issue of the Colorado Law Review. Watch the full conference here, and view more photos in our flickr gallery.

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Conservative and Liberal Perspectives Come Together on the Benefit of Class Actions

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:06:24 +0000

Conservative and Liberal Perspectives Come Together on the Benefit of Class Actions Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/01/2024 - 13:06

TJ Stokes

On March 19, the University of Colorado Law School’s Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law and the Colorado Law Federalist Society hosted a thought-provoking discussion about Professor Brian Fitzpatrick’s ground-breaking book, The Conservative Case for Class Actions. Professor Fitzpatrick, a widely recognized conservative legal scholar and law professor at Vanderbilt Law School, delved into the subject of class actions from the conservative lens.

Traditionally viewed as a tool of liberal advocacy, the class action is, in fact, aligned with conservative principles and values. Professor Fitzpatrick made the case for why class actions should be re-evaluated as consistent with conservativism because of their potential to promote free markets, individual liberty, and limited government intervention. Providing a mechanism for efficiently resolving mass disputes, class actions can serve as a conservative alternative to regulatory oversight, empowering individuals to seek redress for harm caused by corporate misconduct. Throughout the event, Professor Fitzpatrick eloquently articulated conservative principles that permeate his book and its premise, drawing on statistical evidence and practical examples to dispel the myth that class actions are bad.

Director of the Byron White Center and Colorado Law Professor Suzette Malveaux set the table for the discussion by offering a class action primer and sharing her experience as a class action litigator who represented 1.5 million women alleging gender discrimination against Wal-Mart (Wal-Mart v. Dukes, 564 U.S. 338 (2011)), the largest employment discrimination class action to date. Participants even got the chance to hear from her client, named plaintiff Betty Dukes, in a video clip of Ms. Dukes testifying before Congress about the importance of class actions. Professor Malveaux offered commentary to Professor Fitzpatrick’s book talk and kicked off the Q&A.

The event was packed with material on an often under-appreciated subject of civil procedure and constitutional law. Reflecting on the talk, Colorado Law Professor and Federalist Society Faculty Mentor, Andrew Schwartz shared: “It was a fabulous event. Professor Malveaux led off with a great primer on class actions, and Professor Fitzpatrick provided a cogent and convincing defense of this type of aggregate litigation. I learned a lot.”

Ryan Harrington ‘26 offered: “In a society where free speech and free thought are becoming increasingly more restricted, it is refreshing to see a college campus embrace a new idea, political view, and standpoint that challenges them to think differently.”

By providing a platform for diverse perspectives, Professor Fitzpatrick’s book talk demonstrated the value of intellectual discourse in advancing understanding and shaping public discourse on important constitutional law issues.

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Byron White Center hosts “Reclaiming the Constitutional Text from Originalism” Lunch Talk

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:14:53 +0000

Byron White Center hosts “Reclaiming the Constitutional Text from Originalism” Lunch Talk Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/18/2024 - 12:14

John Henry Verhoff & M.R. Dickey

On March 12, the Byron R. White Center for American Constitutional Law and the American Constitution Society (ACS) at Colorado Law hosted a lunch talk on “Reclaiming the Constitutional Text from Originalism” with Georgetown Law Professor Victoria Nourse. Professor Nourse is former Chief Counsel to then-Vice President Biden, U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner, and writer for CNN and Ms. Magazine. Professor Nourse shared her research on the Supreme Court’s continuing trend towards originalism, potential ways to respond to originalist approaches, and how the Justices have applied originalist principles in their decisions.

The event brought an enthusiastic audience of students, staff, faculty, and community members. Byron White Center Director Professor Suzette Malveaux opened the event, thanking Professor Nourse for her important critique of originalism’s use of textualism, especially in the context of understanding executive power. ACS’s incoming president M.R. Dickey then introduced Professor Nourse, who presented her research and statistics on the increased presence of originalist references and principles in the Supreme Court’s opinions since 2019.

Touching on subjects such as abortion, gun rights, the right to privacy, and presidential immunity, Professor Nourse remarked, “No area is free from originalism.” Contextualizing the Court’s recent decision in Trump v. Anderson, Professor Nourse noted: “Originalism is not consistent, the Courts will hone in on one word and take it out of context. While originalism is lauded as a theory to reduce judicial bias, in practice, judges adding their own meaning increases the risk of bias.”

Following her presentation, the White Center’s Student Senior Fellow Michaela Calhoun engaged Professor Nourse in a fireside chat, asking her about executive power, combating originalism in practice, and similar topics.

Reflecting on the event, 3L Austin McCreary remarked, “This has been one of my favorite White Center events. I truly enjoyed the statistical data that illustrated the impact and use of originalism in SCOTUS decisions.”

This sentiment was shared by numerous attendees, as Mary Slosson, 3L, shared, “This was my favorite White Center event this year; I wanted the talk to continue because I was learning so much!”

This month, the White Center is excited to host constitutional law events with the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society—organizations of different political stripes. This initiative is a testament to the Center's commitment to fostering the expansion of knowledge and stimulating public discussion on matters of Constitutional law. As Professor Nourse stated to a student inquiring about what to do in the courts as originalism becomes more prevalent, “the doctrines are up for grabs.”

The Byron White Center is eager to foster and nurture these discussions, encouraging a greater understanding of ideas surrounding originalist approaches.

In fact, as 1L Victoria Matson stated, “Our Constitutional Law professor attended the talk, and later that afternoon we applied Professor Nourse’s principles of constructive responses to originalism. Particularly, we applied Professor Nourse’s discussion of contextualizing originalism to a case where the originalist evidence was inconclusive and required adjusting our approaches to the problem to a more contemporary meaning.” She continued, adding “it was great to see the concept applied in an engaging way!”

Prof. Malveaux, echoed, “This is the kind of impact and engagement the Center is proud to offer to our students and the larger community.”

The White Center thanks Professor Nourse for her groundbreaking research and engaging presentation on originalism.

View a recording of the event here.

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BLSA and Byron White Center Host Hip Hop Lunch Talk

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:15:52 +0000

BLSA and Byron White Center Host Hip Hop Lunch Talk Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/27/2024 - 12:15

Caileb Booze

On February 15, 2024, The University of Colorado Law School’s Black Law Students Association partnered with The Byron R. White Center Study for the Study of American Constitutional Law to host a Hip Hop and the Law Lunch Talk celebrating Black History Month and the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. This event celebration brought together legal scholars from across the nation, including Dr. Gregory Parks, Professor of Law at Wake Forest University, Dean André Douglas Pond Cummings, Associate Dean at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and our very own Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss of Colorado Law School. These panelists discussed the prevalent issues at the intersection of hip-hop, feminism, and criminal law to a packed-out room full of law students and professors alike.

In February 2022, Dr. Parks and Frank Rudy Cooper of The University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ William S. Boyd School of Law published Fight the Power: Law and Policy through Hip-Hop Songs, which brought together leading legal commentators to make sense of some of the most pressing law and policy issues in the context of hip-hop music and the ongoing struggle for Black equality. Each of the panelists at the Lunch Talk were contributors to the book and throughout the event evaluated specific hip-hop songs that have provided a pop culture lens through which to view legal and policy issues.

Notably, Dean cummings lauded Meek Mill’s “Trauma” as illustrative of the many adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that people of color face at disproportionate rates, such as verbal and physical abuse, single-parent households, parent incarceration, family drug addiction, and other factors that statistically contribute to shorter lifespans. Hip-hop has become a means to educate and bring to light to the masses the lived experiences of systemic injustice faced by people of color in America. Ursula Davy, the Black Law Students Association President, shared,

“Getting to hear about the law within the framework of something as culturally significant as hip-hop was really interesting.”

The final question of the Lunch Talk centered around whether hip-hop, as it has become more mainstream and consumed by a wider audience, has maintained its poignancy in confronting social justice issues such as policing and incarceration, or if it has lost its sting to cater to the growing audience in a more palatable way. The panelists were split on how exactly the social force of hip-hop has evolved over the past thirty years, but looked to artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper to reaffirm that hip-hop is still breaking barriers and unapologetically addressing the reality that people of color face.

Watch a full recording of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTYkS2WNoIk

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SCOTUS Preview lunch talk provides insight on current term

Anonymous — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:54:56 +0000

SCOTUS Preview lunch talk provides insight on current term Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 02/12/2024 - 12:54

Michaela Calhoun

On January 30, the Byron R. White Center Study for American Constitutional Law hosted its inaugural SCOTUS Preview lunch talk at the University of Colorado Law School. CU Law professors dissected the current cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and discussed their potential real-world impacts.

The event garnered an enthusiastic audience of students, staff, faculty and administration, packing the classroom, and leaving standing room only. The White Center’s Student Fellows moderated the event, introducing each professor and asking them specific questions about the upcoming cases. Professors Sloan Speck, Helen Norton, Deep Gulasekaram, Doug Spencer, and Blake Reid offered information and insights on diverse topics such as the tax code and the Due Process Clause (Moore v. United States), government officials’ free speech and social media (Lindke v. Freed and O’Connor-Ratcliff v. Garnier), gun rights and domestic violence (U.S. v. Rahimi), the 2024 election (Trump v. Anderson), and speech by “Big Tech” internet platforms (Netchoice v. Moody and Netchoice v. Paxton), respectively. Following an intellectually-invigorating primer, students and professors followed up with their own questions.

Reflecting on the event, 2L student Ursula Davy remarked, “There is a lot transpiring, between the elections and the current cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. I learned so much and gained an understanding of how the law and current term’s cases will impact everyone’s daily lives. “ She continued, “I always anticipate White Center events because they offer an engaging platform to learn from experts.”

The White Center is proud to extend its successful fall SCOTUS Review to a spring SCOTUS Preview. This initiative is a testament to the center's commitment to fostering the expansion of knowledge and stimulating public discussion on matters of constitutional law. As Professor Suzette Malveaux, Director of the White Center, shared “It’s exciting to see how engaged our community is in understanding the Court’s power and impact on their lives. It’s incredibly satisfying to supplement the classroom experience with the expertise of our own colleagues.” The Colorado Law community eagerly awaits the Court’s rulings, with a greater appreciation for what to expect and what’s at stake.

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Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna Inspires at the 12th Annual John Paul Stevens Lecture

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:40:19 +0000

Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna Inspires at the 12th Annual John Paul Stevens Lecture Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:40

Reya Roussel

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law hosted Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna for the 12th Annual Steven’s Lecture at Colorado Law. Justice McKenna is a trailblazer as the first openly LGBTQ Asian American Justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court. Among her many accomplishments and accolades, Justice McKenna recently received the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession's most prestigious award for women lawyers nationwide—the 2023 ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award.

Not only did this year’s Stevens Lecture attract a Colorado audience of law students, lawyers, judges and legal scholars, but participants from all over the United States and the world! Participants joined the lecture from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, and countries such as India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Georgia.

The Stevens Lecture was co-sponsored by several Colorado Law organizations (the Asian and Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA); the Womxn of Color Collective (WOCC); & Outlaw) and state bar organizations (the Colorado LGBT Bar Association & the Asian and Pacific American Bar Association (APABA)). The Byron White Center is truly grateful for their partnership, which helped to make the program such a success.

This year the Stevens Lecture took the form of a fireside chat, with Professor Suzette Malveaux, Director of the Byron White Center, asking questions of Justice McKenna. The Justice’s focus was “State Constitutional Law: The Critical Course Missing from Most Law Schools.” The Justice shared insights about the historical and growing importance of state constitutional law, what makes Hawaii’s constitution so special, and why a diverse judiciary is necessary to the rule of law. She also reflected on Hawaii’s groundbreaking jurisprudence in areas like climate justice, reproductive rights, and marriage equality.

Student leaders from the sponsoring organizations followed up with questions about colonialism, personal challenges and triumphs, female leadership and the importance of perseverance. Leo Nyguen, a third year law student shared, “I am incredibly grateful to have been able to represent APABA in participating in an event with a trailblazer in the legal community who has broken barriers for and inspired AAPI people, women, and LGBTQ people.”

After the lecture, guests flowed into Boettcher Hall to mix and mingle over light refreshments. Student leaders, law professors, alumni, attorneys and judges gathered with the Justice to learn more. Adora Bertero, President of Outlaw expressed, “Queer students back home in Texas don't have opportunities like this, where we get to sit down and speak with leading scholars like Justice McKenna. It's incredible to be able to ask questions about legal policies that affect my communities from someone who actually represents my communities, and I'm excited to see what next year's Lecture holds.” The Colorado legal community and beyond left educated and inspired by Justice McKenna's brilliance, tenacity, and leadership.

A full recording of the fireside chat is available here.

[video:https://youtu.be/Ejwj-eBajnw?si=c1uuINQYhCPVcqeW]

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Alicia Bannon of the Brennan Center for Justice Highlights State Constitutions

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:23:37 +0000

Alicia Bannon of the Brennan Center for Justice Highlights State Constitutions Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:23

Reya Roussel

On October 12, 2023, the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law welcomed Professor Alicia Bannon to discuss the increasing importance of state constitutions in our current legal climate. She is the Director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Judiciary Program at New York University School of Law and an expert in Constitutional Law. As Editor in Chief of the State Court Report, she shared this new timely resource that tracks developments in state constitutional law across all 50 states.

Over 100 students, professors, and staff joined Professor Bannon for the lunch talk to learn about the State Court Report and state constitutional trends across the country. Professor Suzette Malveaux, Director of the Byron White Center, opened the lunch talk, providing context for why lawyers, scholars and advocates were turning to local and state law. Bannon emphasized how state constitutions can provide opportunities for affirmative rights and extra protections. Byron White Fellow Sarah Sorenson moderated the Q&A, fielding questions about climate justice, LGBTQ protections and voting rights in our states’ highest courts.

That evening, the Byron White Center co-hosted a discussion with the State Court Report and others as part of the Herrick Roth Lecture Series at the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs in Denver. There, Bannon joined Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart and Sturm College of Law Professor Tom Romero in discussing the Colorado state constitution in particular. Colorado Public Radio’s Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated the panel, which provided varied perspectives and an inside look into some of the challenges and advantages of the Colorado state constitution. Environmental protection, amendments to the Colorado constitution, and TABOR effects on Colorado public schools were topics of interest.

To stay updated about what is currently happening in the state courts, you may want to visit the State Court Report and check out the State Case Database, a searchable engine for recent, significant state constitutional law decisions.

View the full recording here.

[video:https://youtu.be/vxbxxwaguWg?si=5WrW3pxXb6fyxNCw]

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