tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50235192011-07-14T20:50:41.873-04:00Federalistnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1130286599741380332005-10-25T20:29:00.000-04:002005-10-25T20:29:59.790-04:00

The Dr. Adams speech on November 1, 2005 at 7:00 PM has been cancelled I apologize for any inconvenience, Colin

Colinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1129835382365705442005-10-20T15:09:00.000-04:002005-10-20T15:09:42.416-04:00

I know all conservatives will enjoy this speech The Federalist Society at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law Presents: Dr. Mike Adams, Professor of Criminology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, author of Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel, and Townhall.com columnist. Dr. Adams will deliver a speech entitled, "The Constitutionality of Speech Codes," on November 1, 2005 at

Colinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1128023559493222242005-09-29T15:52:00.000-04:002005-10-05T10:57:18.523-04:00

Click here to be redirected to the main site.Please feel free to send me comments and suggestions. The page is not complete.-----Colin

Colinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1124375322653490632005-08-18T10:28:00.000-04:002005-08-18T10:28:42.660-04:00

Look, I'm no fan of dead soldiers. I don't want to see American soldiers coming home in boxes any more than the next guy, and I genuinely wonder at the trepidation a parent must feel while her child wields a weapon on the streets of Fallujah.At the same time, what Cindy Sheehan is doing in Crawford, Texas is nothing short of a travesty. A charade predicated on leveraging the memory of her son

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121959229121936822005-07-21T11:19:00.000-04:002005-07-21T11:26:34.776-04:00

We were tricked, I tell you! Tricked!It seems the media latched onto the "common knowledge" that Roberts was a Federalist Society member, but Roberts himself has never disclosed membership or participated in Federalist Society events as a member. It might be strategic as suggested in the article above. Who knows. Bottom line: He's not one of us after all.(I do still support his nomination, of

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121892702506032262005-07-20T16:49:00.000-04:002005-07-20T16:51:42.510-04:00

Soon to be (fingers crossed) Supreme Court Justice John Roberts is a member of The Federalist Society. Left wing extremists, take note. As Professor Nunn once said, know thine enemy.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121870247969596102005-07-20T10:31:00.000-04:002005-07-20T10:37:27.976-04:00

The S.Ct. battle is making one thing clear: many members of Congress need a refresher civics class. These quotes make pretty clear they do not grasp that judges are not (or should not be) politicians advancing agendas, and that their committment is to the law and not to causes:"Without prejudging the nominee, I do believe Judge Roberts' record raises questions about his commitment to the right to

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121816230397912382005-07-19T19:35:00.000-04:002005-07-19T19:37:10.403-04:00

Be sure to tune in to get it straight from the President's mouth. I still think (despite conflicting reports) that it's Clement. If not, let it be Janice Rogers Brown or Edith Jones.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121794855836139802005-07-19T13:37:00.000-04:002005-07-19T13:40:55.840-04:00

FYI: I was at Borders on Newberry Road today and they had flyers up announcing Neal Boortz would be signing copies of his new Fair Tax book on August 10, 7pm.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121314261100605992005-07-14T00:08:00.000-04:002005-07-14T11:52:23.256-04:00

Hollywood, Florida is seizing property for multi-million dollar condos, all thanks to Kelo. Hollywood's city attorney said as much:When Commissioner Cathy Anderson asked what the public purpose was, City Attorney Dan Abbott did not hesitate."Economic development," he said, "which is a legitimate public purpose according to the United States Supreme Court."So much for "statutory protection".

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1121049435822863432005-07-10T22:36:00.000-04:002005-07-10T22:37:15.826-04:00

So your university is having economic troubles.What DO you do?How about fire (and stop paying) the people who don't actually work there.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1120682840607038212005-07-06T16:44:00.000-04:002005-07-06T16:49:54.716-04:00

Sixty-nine-year-old Jesse Hardy has accepted the state of Florida's offer of over $4 million to sell his 160-acre tract of the Everglades to the state for a reclamation project. Hardy had previously held out against selling his land and homestead, hoping to preserve his primitive lifestyle and pass it along after he died.The Washington Post has this article.Is this an example of Kelo in practice?

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1120565623955741772005-07-05T08:09:00.000-04:002005-07-05T08:13:43.960-04:00

The Discovery Channel has been running a show about the Greatest Americans. The top 10:1 Ronald Reagan 2 Abraham Lincoln 3 Martin Luther King 4 George Washington 5 Benjamin Franklin 6 George W Bush 7 Bill Clinton 8 Elvis Presley 9 Oprah Winfrey 10 Franklin D Roosevelt OK, I can see an argument for Reagan, and I won't even quibble with the inclusion of Clinton. But that a substantial

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1120230544881192042005-07-01T11:05:00.000-04:002005-07-01T11:11:21.180-04:00

Proving a handful of people geniuses, Justice O'Connor has announced her retirement today, beating Chief Rehnquist to the punch.What this will mean to the Court is up for debate. O'Connor has been a tweener, but largely conservative justice. She has also been sympathetic to Federalism arguments and has written or joined those opinions frequently.Here is Justice O'Connor's letter to the

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1120102612583213472005-06-29T23:33:00.000-04:002005-06-29T23:36:52.586-04:00

Our littlest state has made a big move.Despite the Supreme Court's recent holding in Raich, Rhode Island went ahead and passed a compassionate use act for medical marijuana. While this doesn't do anything to upset the Raich holding, it does indicate a good Federalism model in that R.I. acted with full knowledge that the Feds could police use and possession, but that it would exercise its own

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1120070884635248182005-06-29T14:47:00.000-04:002005-06-29T14:48:04.640-04:00

Mel Martinez for Supreme Court Justice? Seriously?

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119986219356950872005-06-28T15:13:00.000-04:002005-06-28T15:27:45.600-04:00

I'm fairly positive everyone reading this blog is familiar with the Castle Coalition, a group affiliated with IJ working to end Eminent Domain abuses in this country. The Coalition is calling folks to action, and I believe we are well situated as law students, law graduates and lawyers to seize the opportunity to offer meaningful support through our efforts. I've joined, you should too.Unless

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119927815068867332005-06-27T22:53:00.000-04:002005-06-27T23:04:40.643-04:00

I heard through a source today that the Governor is on the Kelo case, and he and the Florida legislature are planning quick action in response to the gaps that decision leaves in Florida E.D. law. Do we have reason to be hopeful? I'm not entirely sure at this point.Congress is also on the ball, considering The Protection of Homes, Businesses and Private Property Act of 2005. Details on that bill

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119842048828957682005-06-26T23:08:00.000-04:002005-06-26T23:14:08.833-04:00

Good news from the Florida House. Speaker Allan Bense has formed a committee to review Florida law in light of Kelo. This good news will clearly impact efforts of members interested in contributing to efforts to insulate Florida's citizens from Kelo-esque takings. I suggest anyone concerned with E.D. powers contact the Speaker along with your local representative to voice your support for the

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119675511138460472005-06-25T00:56:00.000-04:002005-06-25T00:59:12.533-04:00

From Brett Talley at HLS Ex Parte:Day O (The Banana Court Song)by Brett TalleyKelo come and they taking my homeDay Sandra Day Sandra Day Sandra Day OKelo come and they taking my homeThought the Court save my childhood home(Kelo come and they taking my home)Too bad team needs another dome(Kelo come and they taking my home)Hey Justice Kennedy you bulldozed my cabana(Kelo come and they taking my

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119588132669440052005-06-24T00:38:00.000-04:002005-06-24T00:42:12.673-04:00

FYI, here is the text of the Florida Constitution's Eminent Domain provision. As you can see, the Kelo interpretation of public purpose would similarly expand the scope of the same phrase in Florida. SECTION 6. Eminent domain.--(a) No private property shall be taken except for a public purpose and with full compensation therefor paid to each owner or secured by deposit in the registry of the

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119584421039165512005-06-23T23:38:00.000-04:002005-06-23T23:40:21.040-04:00

I've added my own "Protest Kelo" torch to the menu at left. I encourage other bloggers to ue the graphic on their own sites as a sign of protest. Consider the torch a call to action. An Amendment for Florida's Constitution is in order.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119552015159101452005-06-23T14:38:00.000-04:002005-06-23T14:40:15.163-04:00

Today the US Supreme Court destroyed the last few remnants of private ownership of property in this country.How did we ever stray so far from the country we used to be?

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1119495865411989762005-06-22T23:01:00.000-04:002005-06-22T23:04:25.416-04:00

Yet again, the Republicans in Congress are pushing a flag-burning amendment. I think at this point it is abundantly clear...the Republican Party is out of control. Rep. Nadler from NY said it best:"If the flag needs protection at all, it needs protection from members of Congress who value the symbol more than the freedoms that the flag represents."

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1118855882178960872005-06-15T13:17:00.000-04:002005-06-15T13:18:02.183-04:00

LARGO, Fla. -- An autopsy on Terri Schiavo backed her husband's contention that she was in a persistent vegetative state, finding that she had massive and irreversible brain damage and was blind, the medical examiner's office said Wednesday. It also found no evidence that she was strangled or otherwise abused. LINK

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1118437821916683042005-06-10T17:06:00.000-04:002005-06-10T17:10:21.920-04:00

For those away from the law school this summer, I want to report a disturbing development. The Cheerios are back. For those unfamiliar with them, they are a monstrosity masquerading as art; a series of doo-doo brown aluminum circles stuck in the ground. For some reason, one of the law school higher ups saw these...things, and said to themselves "Well, that sure says what this school is all about.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1118373462174419152005-06-09T23:16:00.000-04:002005-06-09T23:17:42.176-04:00

That law.ufl.edu was hacked today? The hackers replaced the index page with one line of text laughing at the server admin, but I didn't think to cut and paste it. Bummer.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1118350728264660002005-06-09T16:52:00.000-04:002005-06-09T17:06:56.443-04:00

Peter Redpath just forwarded this letter to members. For those who may not have received it: From Judge Edmondson....UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS ELEVENTH CIRCUITROOM 416, 56 FORSYTH STREETATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303J.L. EDMONDSON CHIEF JUDGEI am writing to ask you to call to you members' attention that I now am seeking law clerks for the 2006-2007 court year: The clerkships would begin in the

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1118095279717499712005-06-06T17:50:00.000-04:002005-06-06T18:02:32.690-04:00

This hit earlier today, but I had no time to post anything. Check out the opinion here.The case is a defeat for Raich and the medical use crowd, and it's a shattering defeat for those who loathe Wickard (as I do).There is far, far too much to discuss right now. This was a 6-3, with the majority Stevens opinon joined by Souter, Ginsburg, Breyer and Kennedy. Scalia concurred in the judgment with a

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1117992579723791202005-06-05T13:25:00.000-04:002005-06-05T13:29:39.726-04:00

... for Raich and Kelo. Perhaps tomorrow?

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1117545783723173662005-05-31T09:20:00.000-04:002005-05-31T09:23:03.726-04:00

Drudge is suggesting that opinions from the Court's most prominent fall 2004 arguments, including Raich, may be coming down at any time. Should be a fun day to keep an eye on the blogosphere wires.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1117235459232498902005-05-27T19:02:00.000-04:002005-05-27T19:12:28.293-04:00

Prof. Tribe recently announced he will not be finishing up the update of his ConLaw treatise. His argument is, basically, that his treatise is or was the type of treatise that attempted to synthesize the trends in conlaw to make sense of all the disparate trends in order to create a grand theory of what the court is doing. Now, though, he feels the Court is going in all sorts of different

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1116425066652850972005-05-18T10:04:00.000-04:002005-05-18T10:12:55.340-04:00

Here is a cut from a hilarious article by Mike S. Adams on diversity and tolerance.“When our university's diversity office buys and distributes the magazine "Queer Notes," it sends a message that gay men should not be ashamed of their bodies. After all, Q-Notes is full of pictures of nearly-naked gay men and scantily clad drag queens. Our trans-gendered law seminars (I once attended one) teach us

Colinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1116257239166420652005-05-16T11:12:00.000-04:002005-05-16T12:08:20.486-04:00

Our libertarian friends at the Institute for Justice have scored a huge victory in the Supreme Court in striking down laws banning direct interstate shipment of wine to consumers. If you've ever tried to score a deal on liquor through ebay or by purchasing directly from a vintner/brewer, you probably quickly discovered that The Man won't let you. The reason was that vintners lobbied for

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1115951985286989582005-05-12T22:39:00.000-04:002005-05-12T22:39:45.290-04:00

Can I get an AMEN?

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1115749717509130852005-05-10T14:23:00.000-04:002005-05-10T14:28:37.693-04:00

If there was ever any doubt about the motives of the Democratic Party, this should end them all. Howard Dean, Chair of the DNC, has endorsed Bernie Sanders (VT) run for US Senate. Sanders,a self described socialist, has been a Vermont Representative until this year.According to Dean, "A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats."What more needs to be said?

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1115734936823800542005-05-10T10:21:00.000-04:002005-05-10T10:22:16.830-04:00

Arianna Huffington just doesn't get blogs. It's not about who's writing, but what's written. Sure, we all have our favorites blogs and bloggers, but it's not about how attractive that person is or how cool their last movie was; it's about what that person writes and how we identify with, disagree with, or embrace it that makes a blog viable.Celebrities have a voice for their thoughts and opinions

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1115695808978012372005-05-09T23:26:00.000-04:002005-05-09T23:32:49.533-04:00

The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit recently cited Ludacris in a footnote in its decision in US v. Murphy. And they said judges are out of touch:The trial transcript quotes Ms. Hayden as saying Murphy called her a snitch bitch "hoe." A "hoe," of course, is a tool used for weeding and gardening. We think the court reporter, unfamiliar with rap music (perhaps thankfully so), misunderstood

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1115653738839764702005-05-09T11:44:00.000-04:002005-05-09T11:48:58.986-04:00

As I complete my time as a student at UF, it occurs to me that control of this blog must also pass. Today I gave incoming UF FedSoc President Colin and the uber-Fed Toby administrative controls. If you are interested in taking an active role in providing blog content, contact those guys and they can get you set up with access. They will also be charged with oversight of the blog, at least until

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1113414295778472522005-04-13T13:33:00.000-04:002005-04-13T13:46:08.086-04:00

This op-ed from NRO details the political tensions shadowing the question of whether impeachment of federal judges is an appropriate response to judicial activism. I think it's important in considering this point to separate what may be politically most advantageous from that which is Constitutionally available and perhaps best for the health of the Republic. There is little doubt that a call to

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1113096496267814972005-04-09T21:27:00.000-04:002005-04-09T21:28:16.270-04:00

I'm sure most everyone knows of the situation involving Wendy's restaurants, a bowl of chili, and a severed finger. Now it seems we have to add a litigious plaintiff to the mix.Two questions...Akin to having a body in a murder case (which I know is different in character than the pending civil case), does the plaintiff here need to produce someone who had contact with the chili somewhere in the

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112883805388613482005-04-07T09:25:00.000-04:002005-04-07T10:23:25.390-04:00

So says a memo circulated by the GOPers in the Senate. The scapegoat who took the fall on the memo has already resigned from Senator Mel Martinez's (R, Fla) office.Look, no one doubts there was a political undercurrent - and that's a nice way to put it - but if we also agree that a woman's life was at stake along with deep issues of allocation of power to our federal government, it hardly seems

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112791778891742852005-04-06T08:48:00.000-04:002005-04-06T08:49:38.893-04:00

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Jeb Bush's education accountability plan is working a lot better than his brother's is in getting low-performing schools to improve, a Harvard University study found. The stigma of receiving an F grade under the governor's ''A+ Plan'' combined with the threat of losing students to private schools has led to an increase in test scores, according to the study distributed Tuesday.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112719470985055012005-04-05T12:41:00.000-04:002005-04-05T12:44:30.986-04:00

From William at Southern Appeal - don't miss this post. A snippet of William's insight:An ultimate "good" in our system is self-government (perhaps the ultimate good). Our forefathers understood that true self-governance must be carried out in bodies close to the people. Small units of government permit the people to know their representatives and the representatives to know the circumstances and

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112643513615044462005-04-04T15:34:00.000-04:002005-04-04T15:40:35.990-04:00

Bill Pryor and Janice Rogers Brown are realizing the pains of association with a powerful organization: Those who do not agree with you begin to irrationally fear you.I'm most concerned that Congressional scrutiny doesn't only extend to Federalist Society membership, but also to those who dare to speak at our events. Is this a subtle tactic at making participation with the Federalist Society

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112639203339511032005-04-04T14:25:00.000-04:002005-04-04T14:26:43.340-04:00

Two members of our Federalist Society chapter are recognized by the Center for Career Services in this week's FlaLaw as Pro Bono Award winners. Congratulations!

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112628972749190952005-04-04T11:25:00.000-04:002005-04-04T14:28:08.610-04:00

Dick Cheney says that the judges involved in the trial and myriad reviews of the Schiavo case should be left alone. I tend to think he's right, but it should be noted that these judges are subject to impeachment if the elected bodies get motivated enough.I find it ironic that Congress, which has been locked in mortal combat over getting judges on the bench, would now even consider pulling them

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112382065078894462005-04-01T13:59:00.000-05:002005-04-01T14:01:05.080-05:00

In Ann Coulter's latest column:"Also on the pro-killing side are conservatives still pissed off about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 who are desperately hoping to be elected "most consistent constitutionalist" by their local Federalist Society chapters. You can't grow peanuts on your own land or install a toilet capable of disposing two tissues in one flush because of federal government

Federalistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112295400266219012005-03-31T13:47:00.000-05:002005-03-31T13:56:40.266-05:00

I'm listening to FOX News today as I finish up a paper for Local Government. Representative King is on the air pretending to understand the sphere of law that governed the Schiavo situation.First King said Congress needed to get the courts "under control", because they never gave the case the de novo review which Congress had commanded. From here the FOX host went to Judge Birch's opinion.The FOX

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112249782031080392005-03-31T01:02:00.000-05:002005-03-31T01:16:22.040-05:00

Available through Lexis at 2005 U.S. App. LEXIS 5073. Footnotes are omitted here. This is long, but it's an absolute slam dunk.BIRCH, Circuit Judge, specially concurring:I concur in the denial of rehearing en banc in this case because any further action by our court or the district court, would be improper, as I explain below.An axiom in the study of law is that "hard facts make bad law." The

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112248326082599802005-03-31T00:49:00.000-05:002005-03-31T00:52:36.183-05:00

Supreme Court says no for the sixth time. Plus USA Today gives us a little more from Judge Birch at the 11th Circuit:"Any further action by our court or the district court would be improper. While the members of her family and the members of Congress have acted in a way that is both fervent and sincere, the time has come for dispassionate discharge of duty."

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112246520731249812005-03-31T00:21:00.000-05:002005-03-31T00:22:00.733-05:00

Finally someone said it, and in a way I wish I had from the get-go.In resolving the Schiavo controversy it is my judgment that, despite sincerity and altruistic motivation, the legislative and executive branches of our government have acted in a manner demonstrably at odds with our Founding Fathers' blueprint for the governance of a free people -- our Constitution. - Judge Stanley BirchThis is a

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112222537825956442005-03-30T17:41:00.000-05:002005-03-30T17:42:17.826-05:00

That was one of the signs I just saw being carried by the protestors outside Schiavo's hospice. I don't even think I need to comment.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112117505625899282005-03-29T12:29:00.000-05:002005-03-29T12:31:45.626-05:00

In the latest issue of Reason magazine which, incidentally, I highly recommend to everyone, they note that a new law in FL requires American flags in classrooms must measure 3'x2'. Because of this, the state has to buy 15,000 new flags to replace the non-conforming ones.Tax payer dollars at work, folks.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112064017980638732005-03-28T21:40:00.000-05:002005-03-28T21:40:17.986-05:00

I was reviewing Prof. Moffat's CV, in particular, the papers he has presented, and came across this interesting tidbit: "Should Our Growing Incivility Be A Matter Of Concern?" Paper for the Federalist Society Faculty Division Conference, Washington DC, January 6, 2000 Followed by: "Should Cloning Be Made A Criminal Offense?" Paper for the Federalist Society Faculty Division Conference, New

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1112058140579398012005-03-28T19:59:00.000-05:002005-03-28T20:02:20.583-05:00

Luke asked me today how to go about sponsoring my participation in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. It's easy. Tell me how much you want to contribute and I'll put your name on a big envelope indicating who you are, contact information if you care to provide it to the ACS, and the amount you've pledged. When the time comes to collect, I'll send Vinnie the Shark to break your fingers

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111840782843288642005-03-26T07:36:00.000-05:002005-03-26T07:40:26.473-05:00

Wow. Just wow. I hope people start seeing the danger of what's going on here: Hours after a judge ordered that Terri Schiavo was not to be removed from her hospice, a team of state agents were en route to seize her and have her feeding tube reinserted -- but they stopped short when local police told them they would enforce the judge's order, The Herald has learned. Agents of the Florida

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111762596080329472005-03-25T09:50:00.000-05:002005-03-25T09:56:36.083-05:00

Despite my stab at humor with the title, I actually support this bill. Basically, it claims to "restore" the Caste Doctrine in self-defense. For those unfamiliar with it, it means if you're attacked in your home you have no duty to retreat. I am a bit skeptical about the "restore" part, as the castle doctrine is pretty much still alive and well in FL. However, it also expands the castle doctrine

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111756174338169782005-03-25T08:08:00.000-05:002005-03-25T08:09:34.340-05:00

Videos from the 2005 Student Symposium are available for viewing.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111601905402285532005-03-23T13:15:00.000-05:002005-03-23T13:18:25.403-05:00

At Prof. Nunn's presentation, he mentioned that the national organization recommended people read Charle's Murray, and then went on to discuss Murray's The Bell Curve giving, I think, the impression that the FedSoc recommended that. I've looked through the website, and I can find no mention of that book. I emailed Prof. Nunn asking about it, but as of yet have heard nothing from him. Is anyone

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111527860895899012005-03-22T16:42:00.000-05:002005-03-22T16:44:20.896-05:00

My father-in-law Bob passed last night after a prolonged battle with cancer that originated in his prostate. For all the guys out there, get checked and get checked regularly. Bob fought tooth and nail for over 5 years, did everything right, and even dealt with advanced complications from diabetes. In the end it wasn't enough to win. It's tough enough to fight prostate cancer when you know about

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111440434176991732005-03-21T16:23:00.000-05:002005-03-21T16:27:14.176-05:00

I am asking that all who believe the Schiavo bill was a violation of federalist principles please write their Congressmen to express their views. Senator Martinez (R) voted in favor of the bill, and he can be reached here. For those of us living in the 6th district (I believe most of us), Rep. Cliff Stearns (R) abstained and can be reached here.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111430160512413282005-03-21T13:17:00.000-05:002005-03-21T13:36:00.513-05:00

Today the world is abuzz about the "compromise bill" coming off Capitol Hill calling for de novo, federal court review of Terri Schiavo's case. While I sympathize with Ms. Schiavo's plight, and I believe in the sanctity of all human life, where does Congress find the power to assert itself here?Sometimes ends can be good that come from terrible means. This is such a case. In the interest of

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111410880848433692005-03-21T08:10:00.000-05:002005-03-21T08:23:13.980-05:00

Be there. We have to discuss officers for 05-06. We'll also run down the events of the last week, including the lecture held at Professor Nunn's Saturday.That's this Wednesday, March 23, Room 285A, Noon. See you there.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111297748703334502005-03-20T00:47:00.000-05:002005-03-21T06:55:51.936-05:00

I just wanted to provide everyone with an update on the meeting at Prof. Nunn’s house. Prof. Nunn’s presentation, I felt, was often charged with emotionally laden language—he described us as “shock troops” and argued that the website has recommended authors who advocate “concentration camps” for the less fortunate. He went on to argue the FedSoc really hides behind its claim of avoiding politics

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111265593076538962005-03-19T15:42:00.000-05:002005-03-20T00:42:51.006-05:00

I just watched a press conference in which a Republican Congressman said "I am a big believer in state's rights" and then, I kid you not, he went on to use a Thomas Jefferson quote to justify this federal encroachment into the state sphere.Thomas Jefferson! Old TJ must be rolling in his grave right now!

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111146932089093782005-03-18T06:53:00.000-05:002005-03-18T06:56:28.733-05:00

Whatever happened to Republicans respecting the states and their ability to handle their own business? From Drudge: **Exclusive Fri Mar 18 2005 00:50:07 ET** The Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee, Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming) has requested Terri Schiavo to testify before his congressional committee, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. In so doing it triggers legal or

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111100744879023822005-03-17T18:05:00.000-05:002005-03-17T18:42:44.726-05:00

Just to let everyone know who is interested, there is a contingent of UF FedSoc and LSRs meeting at 4:30pm on Saturday at the law school. We plan to civilly attend, dissent, and counter the ideas of Prof. Nunn. From my understanding, there will be 5 other UF professors attending, including Prof. Wright who, to my understanding, recently disparaged the FedSoc at the Reno event. If you have the

Colinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111099440758150242005-03-17T17:38:00.000-05:002005-03-17T17:44:00.760-05:00

If you've watched the news at all, you've probably seen some Congressman or another spouting off about the Congressional hearings into baseball and steroids. In all of the indignity and feigned anger, though, we've lost touch with the fundamental question--why the heck is the UNITED STATES CONGRESS spending its time looking into the muscle-building routines of baseball players? Why is government

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111082957325194492005-03-17T13:05:00.000-05:002005-03-17T15:39:44.873-05:00

Today I cobbled together the following seven posters to be displayed either concurrently or successively throughout the semester. Each deals with who we are, who we encourage to join, and how we're different from most organizations.Please review these (they are WORD .docs, so they may or may not display within your browser) and let me know, via email or comment, what you think of each of

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111033155118940092005-03-16T23:06:00.000-05:002005-03-16T23:24:41.346-05:00

The Nunn Lecture Saga rolls on. Tonight I got an email from the president of the UF ACS with directions and such to Prof. Nunn's home. We also learn the *real* title of Nunn's lecture: "Know Your Enemies: Federalism and The 'Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.'"You know, when the ACS formed at the Law School, our leadership extended warm wishes for their growth and success. I have exchanged very civil

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111003341355016742005-03-16T14:59:00.000-05:002005-03-16T15:02:21.356-05:00

A lecture I'd like to see. (Right-wing Prof's) discussion will lay out the roots of the NLG and ACS and situate them in the broader movement to create a cadre of young liberals to provide foot-soldiers for the socialist and anti-capitalist movements.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1111002807931804252005-03-16T14:51:00.000-05:002005-03-17T15:41:17.170-05:00

As I suspected, it's not so much about Federalism as the FedSoc. Sorry Libertarians, we're actually all just footsoldiers for a larger conservative movement. You may need to check your membership cards at the door next meeting.Nunn and Baldwin to Host at Home lectures on behalf of ACS, NLG, CribLaw, and the LSD: The series will begin with a lecture given by Professor Nunn at his home on March

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110914039103597832005-03-15T13:59:00.000-05:002005-03-15T14:13:59.116-05:00

From this week's FLA LAW, page 4:Professors Host At-Home LecturesProfessors Kenn Nunn and Fletcher Baldwin are planning to host lectures in their homes this semester in a series sponsored by the National Lawyers’ Guild, CaribLaw, the American Constitution Society and the Law School Democrats.Nunn will deliver an address titled “Federalism and the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy” at his home March 19

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110901006702085522005-03-15T10:35:00.000-05:002005-03-15T10:36:46.703-05:00

Saw this on Boortz today:Paraphrased from The Daily Show: Two thirds of the House and Senate plus three quarters of the states says that a heterosexual couple is better than a single mother, which is still better than a gay couple which is about equal to a man having sex with a box turtle.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110557094419996902005-03-11T11:03:00.000-05:002005-03-11T11:04:54.423-05:00

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida's Legislature is flush with good ideas. Sen. Al Lawson's involves a 2 cent-per-roll tax on toilet paper to pay for wastewater treatment and help small towns upgrade their sewer systems. The Democratic lawmaker's pay-as-you-go bill has been the source of many jokes - bathroom humor you might say - but he says the issue is a serious one, especially in some of the

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110420404422832622005-03-09T20:57:00.000-05:002005-03-09T21:07:22.956-05:00

In Randy Barnett's recent post on faculty hiring, he says that he only received two job offers out of the AALS job market: Chicago-Kent and the University of Florida. Obviously, he did not come to Gainesville. Our loss, for sure.

Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110286406236285692005-03-08T07:49:00.000-05:002005-03-08T07:57:24.956-05:00

Here's a shot from the Symposium. Jason had ditched us by this point, so he's not here. And Shane and Luke were late, so they're absent. I'll have more photos up on the web soon.

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1110032089900387132005-03-05T09:03:00.000-05:002005-03-05T09:16:18.690-05:00

I've been out of the loop since the Symposium, but I finally got around to reading Roper and the justification for declaring the juvenille death penalty unconstitutional. I'm sort of ambivalent on this. I confess a certain discomfort with the way the death penalty currently operates--not with the death penalty per-se, but with the way the poor and minorities tend to get the death penalty far more

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1109789979923941992005-03-02T13:54:00.000-05:002005-03-02T13:59:39.926-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who joined us for the symposium over the weekend. Although I ended the weekend under the weather, I think a good time was had by all. I would especially like to thank Toby for arranging the hotel and being our "vendor"; I don't know if we could have done any better for location (plus there was a Starbuck's in the lobby, a factor I'm sure was not

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1109029054156809522005-02-21T18:35:00.000-05:002005-02-21T18:37:34.160-05:00

Boston:

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1108666524526454262005-02-17T13:47:00.000-05:002005-02-17T13:57:25.186-05:00

House panel approves measure to make abortion a felony.I have 2 favorite parts of this article:1) "Abortion should be a crime in South Dakota if states are given the right to outlaw the medical procedure." Rarely do we see anything in the news take so blatant a shot at the erosion of states' rights by the Federal government. If you return the right to the state... Nice....2) Kate Looby of

Federalistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1108493105799580722005-02-15T13:42:00.000-05:002005-02-15T13:45:05.800-05:00

Jeb Bush unveiled a proposal today to have the Florida Constitution amended and do away with the ridiculous class size amendment. He's sweetened the pot with raises for teachers and caps on district averages, so I think this has a shot.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1108485928332331262005-02-15T11:42:00.000-05:002005-02-15T11:46:45.740-05:00

Thursday, February 24th:Rain/Snow showersHigh 38/Low 3010 Day Forecast

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1108257322669259822005-02-12T20:12:00.000-05:002005-02-12T20:15:22.670-05:00

NEW YORK (AP) - With flowing fabric the color of a sunrise, "The Gates" - a massive public art installation - was unfurled Saturday for the start of a 16-day stay transforming miles of footpaths in Central Park.Call me a curmudgeon, but really, what sort of world do we live in when a bunch of fabric draped over arches generates international attention as "provocative art"? I can only hope

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1108128317224495392005-02-11T08:12:00.000-05:002005-02-11T08:25:17.226-05:00

Hypo: An unjust law is passed. For instance, a law requiring couples with more than one child to have an abortion. Past case law indicates that such a law is not invalid, despite its obvious repugnancy. Assume that the political landscape indicates that attempting to legislatively repeal such a law is unlikely to succeeed.According to "our" judicial philosophy, judges should not "make law." Yet

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1107869016467391912005-02-08T08:20:00.000-05:002005-02-08T08:23:36.466-05:00

There's a new blog in town, Confirm Them, dealing exclusively with Bush's judicial nominees and their confirmation. It's fairly new, but already filling up with good content.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1107833840139201892005-02-07T22:35:00.000-05:002005-02-07T22:41:57.656-05:00

If you had any hopes that Bush might rediscover his fiscal conservative heritage, his budget should dash any of those hopes. It's more than a third bigger than it was 4 years ago. Fantastic. Bring back Newt and another round of the "Contract!" Article

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1107546639735611912005-02-04T14:36:00.000-05:002005-02-04T14:50:39.736-05:00

In late November, 2004, the High Court heard arguments in Ashcroft v. Raich, the California medical marijuana case. ("High" Court - get it?) This (old) article from Slate - with an almost-unhealthy dose of disdain for so-called conservative justices and Federalism - wonders, quite rightly, I think, how the justices on the Court will reconcile their Federalism decisions in Lopez and Morrison with

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1107358673118954902005-02-02T10:31:00.000-05:002005-02-02T10:37:53.120-05:00

The Washington Times is reporting that the Federalist Society has hired a media firm--the same one used by the Swift Boat vets--in preparation for the upcoming fight over Bush's judicial nominees. It sounds like the FedSoc is spinning it that they're going to be purely educational, but I simply don't buy it. It's too close to the advocacy line for a group like the FedSoc to get involved. I

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1107191480267516682005-01-31T13:05:00.000-05:002005-01-31T12:14:49.986-05:00

Mark your calendars. Our meeting times and rooms for Spring, 2005:- Wednesday, February 2nd, Noon, Room 285C - Wednesday, February 16th, Noon, Room 285A - Wednesday, March 9th, Noon, Room 285A - Wednesday, March 23rd, Noon, Room 285A - Wednesday, April 6th, Noon, Room 285ASee you there!

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1106704428629395482005-01-25T20:51:00.000-05:002005-01-25T20:53:48.630-05:00

First Republicans pushing for constitutional amendments taking over traditional state duties. Now this: The New Blue Federalists

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1106659808078859622005-01-25T08:24:00.000-05:002005-01-25T08:30:08.080-05:00

An interesting observation from Jonathan Adler at NRO's The Corner on the role of activism within the ACS and Fed Soc ranks.

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1106597402422642502005-01-24T15:04:00.000-05:002005-01-24T15:10:02.423-05:00

When I saw the article on Drudge saying a Congressman is proposing race and gender be considered in making social security benefit reforms, I assumed it was a Democrat simply proposing just another redistributive scheme. But no, it was a Republican who said: “We also need to examine, frankly, ... the question of race, in terms of how many years of retirement do you get based upon your race. And

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1106328273975559502005-01-21T13:22:00.000-05:002005-01-21T12:24:33.976-05:00

For those times in class when you're feeling less than studious: LINK (With thanks to a new member)

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1106011230652822042005-01-17T20:17:00.000-05:002005-01-17T20:20:30.653-05:00

I don't think anyone got much notice, but I caught wind of this last week and forgot to post regarding the Org Fair. It's this Wednesday, January 19, from 10 - 2 in the courtyard. I will be able to set up and man until about 11, but then I have to head to class. I can also check in between 12 and 1, but I'll need to score some lunch in that hour, too. Anyone who wants to help out is encouraged to

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1105735106883927492005-01-14T15:27:00.000-05:002005-01-14T15:38:26.883-05:00

My nieces have been in the Girl Scouts for 13 years, and I've always looked forward to my box of Somoas during the annual Girl Scout cookie sale. But I won't be buying any more cookies, after the call I got from my sister today. The Scouts had sent my nieces a booklet thing talking about being good scouts by helping animals. Yeah, that's good and all that, but it went further than that. The

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1105473060009531962005-01-11T14:40:00.000-05:002005-01-11T15:06:15.860-05:00

For anyone interested in going up to Boston early and making the trip together, here is my flight info. If you purchase the tickets directly from www.united.com you can get the tickets for $178 round trip, which is a little bit cheaper than Expedia. To Boston: Flight 5470 Departs Jacksonville, Thursday Feb. 24, 5:49am Arrives in D.C./Dulles at 7:43am Connection: Flight 860 Departs D.C./Dulles

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1104808881173952002005-01-03T22:19:00.000-05:002005-01-03T22:22:04.193-05:00

The Spring Semester is upon us! Time to cower in fear or sharpen your pencil, depending on your personal reaction to such things. Please watch this page in the coming days as we will post our new meeting schedule and more information about the trip to Harvard (which is right around the corner).

Joelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023519.post-1103007092737459522004-12-14T01:40:00.000-05:002004-12-14T01:52:25.200-05:00

Dr. Gregory Manikaw, with the Council of Economic Advisors, delivered a speech last week concerning their [the President's] agenda. Of course, he addressed tort reform. Now as I have pointed out before, Bush is likely going to violate our most fundamental principle of federalism, by interjecting tort reform into an area the states have traditionally regulated. Most likely, and ironically, he'll

T-Unitnoreply@blogger.com