News Archives - Page 25 of 138

Justice Edwin Cameron delivers May 2021 Commencement address

Graduates during the 4:30 p.m. ceremony celebrate with family and friends.

On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Stetson University College of Law celebrated four commencement ceremonies recognizing graduates from the December 2020 and May/August 2021 Classes.

Four separate events held outdoors in the Plaza Mayor Courtyard of the Gulfport campus allowed for limited attendance to follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing. Other safety protocols included a face mask requirement for all attendees and wellness screenings prior to entering campus. Despite those changes, the ceremonies featured most other traditions, including a live bagpiper leading the procession and placement of the ceremonial mace.

South African judge and human rights lawyer, Edwin Cameron, delivered the commencement address via prerecorded video from Johannesburg. He shared his very personal journey with the law and discrimination in South Africa, as he dedicated his career to social justice issues, particularly for LGBTI equality and to destroy the stigma and unjust discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDs. Cameron noted the law can be a double-edged sword, used as an instrument of oppression to strip people of their rights and freedoms. Or, it can be used to secure rights, protect freedoms and afford dignity.

“As you enter the legal world today as bright, willing and engaged young lawyers, my message to you is double,” Cameron said. “First, use the law for good. And second, and more importantly, never lose faith in the capacity of the law to do justice. Use the law to defend, to vindicate, and to fight for the good. On this path, you will not only be useful to many others, but you will also find meaning, value and inspiration in your professional life as a lawyer.”

A student with a scales of justice mask.

Though he and his fellow students are just starting their careers, Student Bar Association President Corey Roberts said they had already learned something about adversity – as well as adaptability and achievement – during their unconventional final year.

“We all endured and made it through all of the challenges,” he said.

Roberts encouraged his classmates to write their own stories, do the right thing, enjoy the journey, and learn from their mistakes. With those guiding principles, everything else will fall into place.

This group of students has already shown a proclivity to “do the right thing,” logging 25,000 hours of community service during their law school years. Those donning blue cords during the ceremony were recipients of the Blews Award for pro bono service, denoting they had far exceeded the required number of hours, continuing to serve their communities and society.

Both Dean Michèle Alexandre and Stetson University President Dr. Christopher Roellke spoke during the event. Their speeches, along with the complete address from Justice Cameron, can be viewed in the recordings below.

Graduating Class Stats

December 2020 Graduates

Total – 28

J.D. – 20 (including seven from the part-time program)

LL.M. in Advocacy – 2

LL.M. in Elder Law – 2

LL.M. in International Law – 3

M.Jur. in Healthcare Compliance – 1

May/August 2021 Intended Graduates

Total – 255

J.D. – 243 (including 17 from the part-time program, 12 who received J.D./MBA degrees, and two who received J.D./Grado)

LL.M. in Advocacy – 1

LL.M. in Elder Law – 4

LL.M. in International Law – 3

M.Jur. in Healthcare Compliance – 4

Graduation messages from Commencement Speakers

*Those who did not appear during the live events.

Maureen Breakiron-Evans, Chair, Stetson University Board of Trustees

Greg Coleman, Chair, Stetson College of Law Board of Overseers

Kevin Iurato, President, Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association

Corey Roberts, Stetson Law ’21 and Outgoing Student Bar Association President

Recordings of Commencement Ceremonies

8:00 a.m. Ceremony

10:45 a.m. Ceremony

1:30 p.m. Ceremony

4:15 p.m. Ceremony

Commencement Photo Gallery

View all of the Commencement photos on our Zenfolio website.

Stetson Law holds on-campus vaccine event

Stetson University College of Law provided on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations to students, faculty and staff for the first time on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

While many staff and faculty members had already received vaccines at locations throughout the community as Florida continued to expand eligibility and availability, students quickly filled most of the on-campus appointments.

Courtney Valtman, a 1L, said having the vaccine available on campus made it convenient and saved her the time of having to research other alternative options. She described the shot as a “quick pinch” and worth it for the peace of mind.

“It’s a great way to get people feeling safe about coming back on campus next semester,” she said.

Stetson University and the College of Law have been working on such efforts for 13 months, since the arrival of the novel coronavirus. The College of Law coordinated with the Pinellas County Department of Health and Inspire Diagnostics to make 102 doses of the Pfizer vaccine available to members of the Stetson Law community. The required second dose will be distributed on May 20.

“Our goal is to facilitate vaccination options for members of our community,” said Theresa Pulley-Radwan, transitional business administrator, professor of law, and co-chair of the Safer Campus Task Force. “Vaccinations will be one measure helping us to return to more in-person interactions over the next academic year.”

Officials opened appointments to immediate family members of students, faculty and staff to ensure all doses were utilized, a move many praised. Sharon Bilsborough, an administrator in the Academic Success and Bar Preparation Services department, was already fully vaccinated herself but made sure to nab appointments for her husband and son. She said seeing the vaccine being administered on campus might help ease fears for those who are hesitant – or remind those who have been too busy at the end of the semester to make time for it.

Information about new local vaccine options can be found on Safer Stetson’s COVID-19 Vaccination website. Also on that site is a form and instructions for reporting your vaccination status.

“We encourage everyone to report if they have been vaccinated,” Pulley-Radwan said. “Knowing campus-wide vaccination numbers will help in planning for future semesters.”

Stetson University’s COVID-19 vaccine statement:

At this time, COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory for our population. Vaccine availability is still a nationwide concern, and the vaccines are authorized through FDA emergency use only. We will continue to review guidance from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College Health Association and the Florida Department of Health on this important matter to help in our future decisions on mandating vaccines for different groups, such as our residential population. Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are highly recommended for all Stetson University and Stetson University College of Law community members.

Stetson Law to host annual Educating Advocacy Teachers Conference online in June

Attendees participate in a breakout session during the 2018 EATS Conference.

Stetson University College of Law will host its annual Educating Advocacy Teachers (EATS) Conference June 14-16, 2021.

This year’s EATS conference will be virtual because of the COVID-19 risks; however, it will still feature the same dynamic and collaborative experience attendees have come to expect from the event, which Stetson Law has hosted for more than a decade.

The unique conference invites educators from around the country to share their experiences, while facilitating the exploration of new teaching techniques and technology in the specialized area of trial advocacy. This year’s conference is composed of various panels, workshops, and breakout sessions that promote small group discussion and interaction based on trending topics identified by the national trial advocacy community.

Sessions at this year’s conference will be led by a stellar lineup of advocacy experts from around the country and will include:

Integrating Advocacy Skills into the Doctrinal Curriculum
Moving Forward: Online v. In-Person Competitions
Identifying & Handling Race, Gender & Other Prejudices in Cases
Creative Exercises in Storytelling

EATS is also a celebration of achievement in advocacy teaching. Stetson will recognize the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching Advocacy, the Edward D. Ohlbaum Professionalism Award, and the first annual Advocacy Writing Competition Award winner.

Check out the entire list of speakers and full schedule for Educating Advocacy Teachers by visiting our website. We are offering an early bird discount for those who sign up by April 30.

Professor Radwan recognized by state organization for important work during the pandemic

Prof. Theresa J. Pulley Radwan with her award. — Prof. Theresa J. Pulley Radwan with the She Stepped Up Award.

Theresa J. Pulley Radwan, transitional business administrator and professor of law, was one of six women in higher education in Florida to be recognized with the “She Stepped Up Award: Recognizing Extraordinary Leadership During COVID-19.”

The award, presented by the American Council on Education Women’s Network – Florida during its fourth annual conference on April 9, was a special honor this year to recognize women who played a pivotal role in leading their respective institutions during the challenges of the past 14 months. Lisa Jones, state chair for the ACE Women’s Network – Florida, said their Executive Board reviewed nominees and selected the winners whose leadership made a difference in the lives of students and/or employees on their campuses.

Radwan is the co-chair of the Safer Campus Task Force and therefore charged with advising university senior leadership on the operational elements needed to move Stetson University and Stetson University College of Law safely through the pandemic.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for leading the efforts, but the reality is that none of it would have worked without the efforts of the entire community to remain diligent in our mitigation efforts,” Radwan said. “Helping to lead the institution regarding pandemic protection measures reminds me of how connected we are as a community, and of how much everyone cares about Stetson.”

Stetson Law's return to campus included a face covering policy and physical distancing. — Stetson Law’s return to campus included a face covering policy and distancing.

Dr. Lua Hancock, vice president for Campus Life and Student Success at Stetson University, nominated Radwan and her co-chair, Stetson Dean of Student Lynn Schoenberg, shining light on their professional and critical work moderating the weekly Safer Stetson Task Force meetings with high respect for all stakeholders.

“Terri provides input that is always focused on the health and wellness of the whole Stetson community while being open to all points of view,” Hancock said. “She provides feedback in a timely manner when asked about matters related to the College of Law and is a great resource for Stetson Health Service.”

Radwan insists the work done over the past year has been a true collaborative endeavor.

“The efforts weren’t always easy, and certainly not everyone agreed on the appropriate measures to take,” Radwan said. “But at the end of the day, everyone stepped up. Whether it was our Facilities Department working hard as the school year began to modify our HVAC system to ensure appropriate airflow, or our Public Safety Department handling visitor protocols, or Student Life and Human Resources managing our testing events, or the entire campus population wearing face coverings and maintaining distancing – or any of the other countless measures that were taken by our community this year – everyone participated in order to maintain a safe learning environment.”

Sign directing people to stand 6 feet apart — Signs posted helped maintain safety.

The ACE Women’s Network is a national system of networks within each state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia with the goal of advancing and supporting women in higher education. The Florida chapter’s conference theme this year was The Hill We Climb: Leading with Hope. Lynn Schoenberg, dean of students at Stetson University, also received a She Stepped Up Award at the event.

New courses provide international students planning to study law in the U.S. context, history of American legal system

Stetson University College of Law is excited to announce the launch of a new Legal and American History Program (LAHP) for students who will begin their J.D. or LL.M. studies in August 2021, as well as Legal and American History Program Plus (LAHP+) for those looking to begin their U.S. legal studies in 2022 or beyond!

The program will provide historical context and knowledge of United States history – focusing on legal decisions, and the socio-economic, racial, ethnic, and gender disparities that have existed over time and influenced the evolution of the American common-law legal system.

“This program was created because international students who are planning to study law in the United States often find that having a strong foundational understanding of United States history provides an important basis for understanding the legal system, and current legal and political events,” said Jessica Dworkin, director of international and graduate programs at Stetson Law. She will teach the courses.

LAHP will be a three-week, synchronous, virtual program (July 6 to July 23), and LAHP+ will be a four-week, synchronous, virtual program (July 6 to July 30) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT. The additional week in the LAHP+ program will feature workshops aimed at helping international students understand how the U.S. law school admissions process works. In this additional week, admissions professionals will share insights about how they review applications and what makes a candidate stand out from the crowd. They will discuss personal statements, résumés, and letters of recommendation, as well as the overall application process and timeline.

“LAHP and LAHP+ are wonderful preparatory courses for students interested in applying to and studying at any of the law schools in the United States,” Dworkin said.

As director of international and graduate programs at Stetson Law, Dworkin provides leadership, strategic planning, enrollment management, student and academic support for LL.M., M.J., and study abroad programs. Prior to working at Stetson, Dworkin held similar roles at Emory and The Ohio State University. Dworkin earned her B.A. from The Ohio State University and her J.D. and LL.M. from Duke University School of Law. Prior to her career in international legal education, Dworkin practiced law. She has presented on topics of LL.M. administration, internationalizing legal education, and U.S. legal education for organizations including NAFSA, NALP, and EducationUSA.

Scholarships are available for these programs. To learn more and register, visit our website: https://www.stetson.edu/law/academics/home/legal-and-american-history-program.php.

Winner of new Advocacy Writing Competition announced

Stetson Law is pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural Advocacy Writing Competition is Laura Rose, an assistant professor of law at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in Vermillion, SD.

She also happens to be a 2012 Stetson Law alumna!

Rose will discuss her paper, “Advocacy in Action: Teaching Evidence to Interleave the Doctrinal and the Practical,” at the annual Educating Advocacy Teachers (EATS) Conference in June, and it will be published in Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law. She also won $2,000 cash.

“In my time at Stetson I was introduced to interdisciplinary law teaching through classes like Professor Lee Coppock’s Trial Advocacy, Professor Bob Bickel’s Constitutional Law and the Civil Rights Movement, and Professor Ellen Podgor’s White Collar Advocacy. I am grateful for the chance to pay it forward through my teaching, scholarship, and service.”

The new competition was launched in late 2020 to motivate advocacy skills teachers, coaches, and practitioners to publish scholarship on advocacy related topics. It also offers them a chance to share practical and innovative ideas in the field of advocacy.

Elizabeth Boals, assistant professor of law and director of the Center for Excellence in Advocacy at Stetson Law, said “this writing competition will help advance creativity and innovation in advocacy teaching. We look forward to supporting advocacy related scholarship for many years to come.”

About Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law

The Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law was founded in 2014 and is the first law review designed to be read online. It is a student-produced legal journal dedicated to discussing, exploring, and influencing contemporary issues related to oral and written advocacy. It features articles on all facets of advocacy (including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Trial Advocacy, and Appellate Advocacy) written by pre-eminent practitioners, judges, law professors, and students. The Journal is published annually.

About Stetson Law’s Center for Excellence in Advocacy

The Center for Excellence in Advocacy, whose program is repeatedly ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report, promotes the continuing development of unparalleled advocacy skills through teaching, scholarship and research. Stetson Law’s Advocacy Resource Center offers instruction to a worldwide audience through online video presentations by experts in the field of advocacy. The Stetson Law community is committed to the concept of the complete advocate – one who commands a superior understanding of the law, the ability to persuasively present evidence, and the humanity to know when to do the right thing.

Stetson Law wins Florida Bar Foundation Pro Bono Law School Challenge

Stacy Elizondo, Career and Professional Development coordinator; Associate Professor Christine Cerniglia, director of Clinical and Experiential Education; Professor Judith Scully, co-founder of the Stetson Social Justice Advocacy Program and current chair of the Pro Bono Committee; and Mike Casey, associate director of Alumni Relations with the 2021 Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge trophy.

The Florida Bar Foundation announced the winners of the 2021 Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge April 5, and Stetson University College of Law won the top honor, the MVP Pro Bono Champion Award, for matching the most students with its own alumni.

“I am so pleased to see us recognized for work related to helping close the justice gap,” said Professor Judith Scully. “As one of the founders of the Stetson Social Justice Advocacy Program and current chair of the Pro Bono Committee, I could not think of a better way to end this semester.”

For the third year in a row, students and lawyers used an online platform at FloridaLawSchoolChallenge.org to choose cases hosted by legal aid programs. Florida’s law schools competed for six weeks to see which could take the most pro bono cases. Students and lawyers from all of Florida’s 12 law schools participated. Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law won for most student engagement. Ave Maria School of Law won for the most alumni engagement.

Legal aid programs also competed to post the most cases online during the Challenge; CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, Legal Services of North Florida, and Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida were winners.

“It is a testament to our state’s law schools’ commitment to pro bono work that 309 law students matched with lawyers on full representation cases through the Challenge,” Stephen R. Senn, the Foundation’s president, said. “Providing students with opportunities to get real world experience and lawyers with opportunities to mentor and support their local legal aid programs strengthens the legal aid system.”

Trophies will be presented to the winners at the Foundation’s 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony on June 17. The Florida Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide greater access to justice. A core part of the Foundation’s mission is to promote public service among lawyers by making it an integral part of the law school experience. By connecting students with alumni to partner on pro bono cases from legal aid organizations, the Foundation increases access to justice and promotes pro bono work.

Stetson Law takes unique sign language interpreter training virtual

Members of Stetson Law’s faculty and trial team, along with sign language interpreters, work through a mock hearing.

GULFPORT, Fla. – For the fourth year in a row, Stetson Law hosted an innovative workshop to train both sign language interpreters and future lawyers in navigating a courtroom and legal proceedings when sign language interpretation is required.

The 4^th Annual Sign Language Interpreter Legal Training Workshop is unlike any other in the country because it provides specialized, hands-on sign language interpreter legal training in a live mock hearing courtroom setting. The workshop tackles some of the challenges distinctive to courtroom sign language interpreting, such as navigating the courtroom environment, and conveying abstract concepts and technical legal terms.

“Stetson is the only place that is providing training for sign language interpreters in true-to-life hearings and trials with real lawyers and law students,” said Professor Jason Palmer, one of the organizers. “It is a unique opportunity for our students to get that experience before they go out and practice, and for sign language interpreters to have a real courtroom experience instead of training in a meeting room or a convention center.”

The two-day workshop featured Stetson Law faculty and staff from its Center for Excellence in Advocacy and the Center for Excellence in Elder Law, students from Stetson Law’s Trial Team, Dispute Resolution Board, and Moot Court Board, along with professionals from two American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services: Tampa-based Absolute Quality Interpreting Services, and Columbus, Ohio-based Hallenross and Associates. More than 50 novice and advanced level interpreters from all over the United States attended the event.

“This has absolutely matured into something amazing,” said David Scott, chief operational officer with Absolute Quality Interpreting Services, which has partnered with Stetson all four years. “The staff at Stetson has turned it into an absolute magical training.”

The first day of the workshop provided lectures and training on standard practices and vocabulary for courtroom interpreting. On the second day, all the participants had the chance to test out their skills in a courtroom environment with the help of Stetson Law’s Advocacy Board Students. Interpreters worked through every step of a hearing, including interpreting open and closing statements, direct and cross-examinations, and interpreting for a witness who is deaf.

American Sign Language is its own unique language, rather than a direct interpretation of English, and that is an important distinction for lawyers to understand. Lawyers are taught to be deliberate in their word choices in questions and opening and closing statements, so understanding how part of a court proceeding will be interpreted in ASL could require them to adjust their approach. For example, using sarcasm in a closing statement could backfire if it cannot be adequately conveyed to a deaf juror. Likewise, interpreters must be highly cautious about their facial expressions and word choice in the legal world. Something as small as interpreting the word “gun” when an attorney actually said “weapon,” could alter what the attorney meant to convey. And questions of accuracy of the record could lead to serious repercussions, such an appeal of a decision or even a malpractice lawsuit.

Linda Ross and a fellow interpreter in 2020.

Traditionally held on Stetson Law’s Gulfport campus, which offers fully equipped and accessible courtrooms, this year the workshop went virtual via Zoom. The online platform presented new challenges for all involved. For example, some students found their rhythm during questioning disrupted as they had to allow for the delay in questions and answers to be interpreted. Everyone, including interpreters and deaf witnesses, agreed it was not always clear which interpreter they should be watching when more than one was on screen signing. However, the prevailing sentiment in the legal community is that much of the industry’s work – be it court hearings or client meetings – will continue to be done remotely even after the pandemic ends. So, it behooves lawyers and interpreters alike to be comfortable with navigating this new normal.

“I’m thankful this crucial work is happening to make our courtrooms more inclusive,” said Dean Michèle Alexandre. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn skills to advocate for clients of different backgrounds who need interpretation.”

New summer program gives a taste of study abroad without the travel

Stetson Law campus tower with flags in the foreground

GULFPORT, Fla. – Stetson Law is pleased to announce our Office of International Programs is now offering a series of 1 credit hour courses for law students who had hopes of studying abroad this summer but are unable to because of the pandemic.

This reimagined version of a study abroad program will feature multiple courses taught by faculty from Stetson and other law schools focused on topics of international, foreign, and/or comparative law importance. Students may choose to take one, or many, of the classes.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about these topics of law without the need to travel or to incur additional travel-related expenses,” said Jessica Dworkin, director of international and graduate programs.

Stetson Study Abroad Comes to You will be offered between July 6 and July 30, 2021. Each course will last one week, and students may choose to take between one and four courses during the duration of the 2021 offerings. Courses will generally be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT, taught synchronously Monday through Thursday with Friday and the weekend being reserved for a take home final examination.

The curriculum will include such courses as:

International Space Law, taught by Professor Roy Balleste, Stetson University College of Law, will examine the role of international law in the regulation of outer space activities, including those related to the moon and other celestial bodies. Specifically, the course examines the current and potential future uses of outer space with a focus on recent developments such as mining, commercialization, space tourism, and claims of sovereignty over outer space and celestial bodies.
Health Law Issues and Human Rights in Africa, taught by Professor Florence Shu-Acquaye, Nova Southeastern University, will explore Health Law and Human Rights issues that make the African continent unique. It will highlight, the predicament of African Women and the current strategies and interventions to address these. The course will increase the understanding of the role of International and regional Treaties dealing with Human Rights in Africa, and their application within that context.
War Crimes & Courts-Martial, taught by Professor Jennifer North, Charleston School of Law, is a study of the Laws of War, the Geneva Conventions, the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Manual for Courts-Martial, as well as other relevant statutes and cases. It examines the laws governing the battlefield – jus in bello – as it applies to U.S. military service members and insurgent groups charged with war crimes. Current events are discussed in conjunction with international governing doctrines of the Laws of Armed Conflict.

Visit our website to find out more and register, or email [email protected] with any questions.

Ireland takes top spot at 25th Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition

Law Society of Ireland won this year’s competition. Pictured here, clockwise from top left: Stetson’s Professor Royal Gardner, Ireland’s Mairead Hughes, Ruth Cormican, Alysha Hoare, and coach T P Kennedy, and Stetson’s Visiting Professor Erin Okuno (aka the bat mascot).

The 25th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition (IEMCC) brought together 18 teams from around the world for three days of competition that culminated with Law Society of Ireland as this year’s winner.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India, was runner-up in the competition. Ireland also took Best Memorial, and team member Alysha Hoare was named Best Oralist in the Championship Round. Teams from 11 jurisdictions – Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, and United States of America – competed. The full results are below.

The IEMCC Final Rounds are traditionally held on Stetson Law’s campus in Gulfport, Fla., but were moved online in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 25thcompetition also was held virtually March 25-27, 2021.

Students prepared and presented arguments on an issue dealing with the protection of bats and international trade measures. Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, known as the “Bat Man of Mexico,” helped develop the problem and served as one of the final round judges along with Amy Fraenkel, executive secretary of Convention on Migratory Species, Dr. Wil Burns, co-director of the Institute for Carbon Removal Law & Policy at American University, and David Wirth, professor at Boston College Law School.

All the judges agreed they were impressed with how the students focused on not only the law, but also the deeply technical aspects of the science involved. Fraenkel noted part of the key to a persuasive argument is to rely on the facts, not just the law itself.

Professor Royal Gardner, director of Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, said he hoped students would take those skills, along with everything else they learned this year about trade law and international environmental law as they prepared for the competitions, and use it throughout their careers.

Teams from 11 jurisdictions – Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, and United States of America – competed.

25th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition

International Finals – Virtual Rounds

March 25-27, 2021

Final Round:

International Finals Champion: Law Society of Ireland – 2186
Runner-up: Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India – 2100
Best Oralist in the Final Round: Alysha Hoare, Law Society of Ireland – 2186

Semifinalists:

National Law University, Delhi, India – 2156
O. P. Jindal Global University, India – 2177

Oralist Awards for the Preliminary Rounds:

Best Oralist in the Preliminary Rounds: Ruth Cormican, Law Society of Ireland – 2186
Second Place Oralist: Ayan Gupta, National Law University, Delhi, India – 2156
Third Place Oralist: Karthika Ellangovan, O. P. Jindal Global University, India – 2177
Fourth Place Oralist: Aaron Tan Kai Ran, Singapore Management University – 2109
Fifth Place Oralist: Elizabeta Korenčan, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law, Slovenia – 2171

Memorial Awards:

Best Memorial: Law Society of Ireland – 2186
Runner-up Best Memorial: O. P. Jindal Global University, India – 2177
Third Place Memorial: University of the Philippines College of Law – 2149

Spirit of Stetson Award:

Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Brazil – 2133
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law, Slovenia – 2171

View photos from the competition

A gallery of photos from the virtual rounds of the competition is available on Zenfolio.

‘Bat Man of Mexico’ says we have much to thank, little to blame, bats for

Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín’s Foreman Biodiversity Lecture on bats and infectious diseases.

Stetson Law’s final Foreman Biodiversity Lecture for the 2020-2021 academic year featured Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín, an ecologist, academic, and internationally renowned bat expert.

His lecture, “Bats and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Myths, Realities, and Hope in Pandemic Times” was an impassioned plea for the much-maligned mammals. For starters, he insists they are not ugly. And more importantly, they are not responsible for the most recent novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Medellín knows bats get a bad rap, and “expert scientists” propagating fake ideas and blaming bats for spreading infectious diseases such as COVID-19 to humans does not help. One point Medellín drives home as often as he can to whomever will listen is that scientists and the media need to stop using the word “new.” Diseases or even species may be new to science but likely are not new to humanity or even Earth. In the case of emerging infectious diseases, it is more accurate to say these are “previously undescribed pathogens.”

Yes, humanity is seeing an increase in outbreaks of previously unknown diseases, including SARS, Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya and more. The headlines can be, understandably, frightening. Scientists still know very little about these viruses, where they come from, and how humans became infected with them. But scientists do know a few key things:

Viruses are as old as life itself and are incredibly ubiquitous, abundant and diverse.
Coronavirus are a family of about 300 species, and of those, only three can cause serious harm to humans.
SARS-CoV-2 is a human virus that no animal, including bats, can transmit to humans.
The bat SL-CoV coronavirus has a 96 percent similarity to SARS-CoV-2, but even if it entered human bodies, it would be unable to enter human cells and cause infection.
There is no demonstrated evidence that SARS-CoV-2 jumped from bats to humans.

It’s important to bear in mind a new virus itself is just one piece of the puzzle. Without the ecological context, we cannot fully understand zoonotic (meaning those that spread between animals and humans) diseases. Killing animals believed to be the source of a “new disease” merely treats the symptoms, not the source of the problem, Medellín said. Another fact to consider: bats do not have more zoonotic diseases than other animals. In terms of proportion, song birds and rodents carry a higher number.

Humans are encroaching further into remote, pristine, previously unexplored areas of the world. The resulting loss of habitat and biodiversity, along with exotic invasive species spreading around the globe, has exposed us to new potential pathogens. There will undoubtedly be more diseases, Medellín said, but the first line of defense against the next pandemic is ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.

In addition to conservation, Medellín also points to a need to regulate and reduce the illegal, unsustainable consumption of bushmeat, as well as reducing global meat consumption and changing the forms of production of the animals we do eat. Crowded, unsanitary conditions in both wet markets and mass production farms create the perfect breeding ground for disease.

Many of our daily choices – from the food we consume to the products we buy – can have a ripple effect on biodiversity and, ultimately, human health.

“We all have something to do to prevent the next pandemic.”

New scholarship created to honor long-time state attorney and dedicated alumnus

To honor the legacy of Bernie McCabe, JD ’72, his classmates have established the Bernie McCabe Prosecution Clinic Scholarship, which will provide tuition assistance to a student participating in the Prosecution Clinic.

Over the years, McCabe helped mold hundreds, if not thousands, of young attorneys, said Denis M. de Vlaming, one of McCabe’s classmates. He guided and pushed them to achieve excellence and to serve their communities honorably.

“Not only was Bernie a classmate and friend, but he was also a committed advocate for justice and a brilliant legal mind,” de Vlaming said. “His passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled.”

McCabe was a “Double Hatter,” earning his bachelor’s in 1969 from Stetson University and Juris Doctor from Stetson Law in 1972. He began his career as the Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Florida and was eventually elected as State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco counties in 1992, a role he held until his passing in 2020.

He dedicated his life and career to many professional and nonprofit organizations aimed at protecting the rights of victims of crimes. He also was a steadfast presence at Stetson Law, being appointed to the Board of Overseers in 1994, supervising the Stetson Prosecution Clinic for 28 years, teaching young law students as an Adjunct Professor, serving as judge for various mock trial competitions at the law school, and hiring and mentoring many Stetson Law alumni.

Organizers hope to raise the funds to endow the scholarship in perpetuity. Those who would like to honor McCabe’s memory by making a gift to endow the scholarship that bears his name should contact Patricia Toups, Assistant Director of Development, at [email protected] or 727-562-7985.