Sunday, February 23, 2014

Distinguishing 1L and Grade School

The event of interest for the 1Ls this week was mock oral argument, meaning we each stood up in front of some “judges” (classmates and adjunct professors) to argue for or against a pretend court motion. I was very nervous during mine, a result of not being as prepared as would have been good for me. My mind (and thus my tongue) went completely blank a few times and I was shaking more than what would be considered a normal amount for everyday life, but I got through it.

The topic we argued was a motion to dismiss for lack of federal subject matter jurisdiction. Which was about as exciting as it sounds. Occasionally, local grade school students are invited to the law school to experience a case in the courtroom. The cases involve things like the three bears’ lawsuit against Goldilocks for breaking and entering, or the three pigs’ lawsuit against the big bad wolf for malicious and wanton destruction. I suppose for law students they feel the need to stick to realism, but it would be more exciting to argue on behalf of, say, the superheros' rights in The Incredibles than whether an imaginary person’s citizenship changed when she moved to Wisconsin.

Law is a little dry sometimes. Maybe that’s why some judges are sarcastic or prosy in their opinions – they’re just trying to liven things up.

Still, overall things are going well here in Williamsburg. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and spring break is only a week away!

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