Marquette Law School Hassles Student Group About Conservative Speaker

It’s not unusual for campus bureaucrats to be hostile to the idea that conservatives might speak on a college campus (as the speech at Marquette by Ben Shapiro shows), but this is the first time we have heard it happening at the Law School.

When the student Federalist Society proposed bringing gun rights advocate John Lott to campus, Anna Fodor, Director of Student Affairs, objected that the proposed discussion of the Second Amendment was “incendiary and controversial” and strongly suggested (virtually demanded) that a speaker on the other side be included.

And indeed, the program as initially announced included both Lott and liberal Marquette professor Ed Fallone.

In principle, there is nothing wrong with having Ed Fallone present a liberal viewpoint on the Second Amendment, but (1.) when only conservative viewpoints are required to be “balanced” that biases the discourse, and (2.) such a requirement imposes an extra burden on conservative speech and the organizations that seek to espouse conservative ideas on campus.

The program, as it actually came off, did not involve Fallone, but rather Lott only. And he did not talk about “a Federally mandated national concealed carry reciprocity right” (as originally announced) but rather what people wanted to hear discussed: mass shootings, in the wake of the Las Vegas tragedy.

Lott, using hard data, showed that mass shooting are not peculiar to the U.S., and indeed advanced industrial nations with strict gun control laws have them, and in some cases have higher per capita casualty rates than the U.S.

Past Experience

In the past, the student Federalist Society has hosted multiple conservative speakers, but pretty much only those with less national prominence than Lott, talking about issues less “hot-button” than guns, such as Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Bradley and Ziegler.

But when they proposed inviting outspoken and controversial Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Fodor and Amy Rogan-Metha (Associate Dean for Student Development) objected, and insisted there had to be an opposing voice at the event. It turned out that Clarke could not come, so the issue became moot.

Other Campuses

Not surprisingly, other campus Federalist Societies have run up against liberal intolerance. A recent example involved Texas Southern University, where the organization had invited had invited state representative Briscoe Cain. Cain’s apparent sin was that he was for denying funds for gender reassignment surgery for inmates. Protesters shouted him down, and TSU President Dr. Austin Lane closed down the event, apparently in response to the bullying of the protesters.

On the Issues at the Marquette Law School

Just got this via e-mail:

February 2 — On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Thompson. He was elected Governor of Wisconsin an unprecedented four times. He was Health and Human Services Secretary in the administration of President George W. Bush. Now, after a stint in the private sector, Tommy Thompson is running for public office again. What’s driving his decision, and what does he think about the current political climate in Washington and Wisconsin? Find out when the former Governor and current candidate joins us at the Law School. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Reserve your spot.

February 16— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Mark Block, Chief of Staff for former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain—Running for president is a long, tough, even strange journey. Nobody knows that better than Mark Block, Herman Cain’s top advisor. A longtime Wisconsin political operative, Block will share his stories from the campaign trail; the rise and fall of the Cain candidacy; and Block’s starring role in a low-budget campaign ad that went viral (remember the cigarette?). Block will also discuss the state of the GOP nomination battle and his role in Cain’s latest political project. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

April 5— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Vice Admiral James W. Houck, Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy—Vice Admiral Houck is the principal military legal counsel to the secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations. He leads the attorneys, enlisted legalmen, and civilian employees of the worldwide Navy JAG Corps community. Houck will discuss what he calls the Navy’s “global law firm” and the issues it faces today, including the handling of detainees, piracy on the high seas, and meeting the legal needs of sailors stationed around the world. Houck is a graduate of the Naval Academy and the University of Michigan Law School. He later earned a Masters of Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

April 9— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin—Congresswoman Baldwin has represented Wisconsin’s Second Congressional District since 1999. Now, she’s trying to make history. Running as the lone Democrat in the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, Baldwin is seeking to become the first woman elected to the Senate in Wisconsin. Baldwin is a University of Wisconsin Law School graduate. She’ll address the major issues in this year’s campaign during her visit to Eckstein Hall. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

May 9— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Yale University Professor John Lewis Gaddis, author of George F. Kennan: An American Life—Born and raised in Milwaukee, George Kennan went on to become one of the preeminent diplomats of the Cold War era. He is credited with being the architect of the American policy of containment toward the Soviet Union. Now the story of his profound influence and his complicated life has been told in a book written by John Lewis Gaddis, the noted historian of the Cold War who is the Robert A. Lovett Professor of History and Political Science and Distinguished Fellow in Grand Strategy at Yale. Professor Gaddis knew Kennan for decades, and was granted full access to his personal papers. He has produced a remarkable biography praised by critics and diplomats alike. Henry Kissinger has called it “magisterial” and “seminal.” Professor Gaddis will reveal the Kennan he came to know during this appearance in his subject’s hometown. Cosponsored by the Marquette University Department of History. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

Ward Connerly, Affirmative Action Opponent, to Speak at Law School

From Marquette News Briefs:

Ward Connerly, founder and president of the American Civil Rights Institute, will speak at the Law School on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 12:10 p.m. Connerly, who is speaking at the Law School at the invitation of the Federalist Society, will present “Affirmative Action: Is It Equality or Discrimination?” RSVP online by Thursday, Oct. 20. Space is limited.

Connerly is in fact an heroic figure, fighting to end racial discrimination in an era when the politically correct kinds of discrimination (anti-white, anti-male) are embraced (although heavily out of fear) by most powerful institutions in society.

Russ Feingold to Be Visiting Professor at Marquette Law School

From Wispolitics.com:

(MILWAUKEE) –Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold will join the Marquette University Law School faculty as visiting professor of law beginning the spring semester 2011, the university announced today. Feingold completed his third term in the U.S. Senate January 3.

“Senator Feingold joins Marquette Law School with a substantial academic, legal and legislative background,” said Joseph D. Kearney, dean of Marquette University Law School, in announcing the appointment. “He will draw on all of this in working with students in their analysis of some of the most complex legal issues facing our nation and world today. I look forward to his service on our faculty.”

Feingold will teach an elective course, Current Legal Issues: The U.S. Senate, to upper-level law students. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a former Rhodes Scholar and an honors law graduate of both Oxford University and Harvard University. He practiced law for six years with two Wisconsin law firms, Foley & Lardner and LaFollette & Sinykin. Feingold served for 10 years in the Wisconsin Senate and 18 years in the United States Senate, where he was a member of the Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Budget and Judiciary Committees.

“As I looked at beginning to write the next chapter of my professional life, the opportunity to be in a Wisconsin classroom with engaged law students is one I found very appealing,” said Feingold. “Marquette Law School is a dynamic place, and I look forward to being part of it.”

While teaching at Marquette University Law School, Feingold also expects to begin work on a book.

Hiring failed politicians in academia to provide a bit of pizazz is a rather old tradition, so we can’t bitch too much about this.

Back in 2002, when a disgraced Tom Ament was forced out of his office as County Executive due to a pension scandal, Marquette’s administration approached the Political Science Department, asking whether we might be willing to have him on board in some capacity. We basically said “no, we are not in the business of trying to lend legitimacy to an unethical political hack.”

Feingold is not corrupt in the way Ament was, but his haughty and arrogant liberalism was repudiated by the voters this past November. His hiring continues the trend of the Law School hiring local celebrities and giving them cushy positions.

We don’t doubt that Mike Gousha has earned his keep, mounting a fine speakers series, bringing top “movers and shakers” to Marquette. But we have begun to wonder: just how is the Law School doing in attending to its bread and butter — tenure track faculty who do the teaching and publishing?

[Update]

The Badger Catholic weighs in with a decidedly negative view of the Feingold hiring.

FBI Special Agent in Charge to Speak at Law School

From an e-mail:

Thursday, February 10—FBI Special Agent in Charge Nancy McNamara—McNamara is the first woman to head the Milwaukee Division of the FBI. Before her appointment last fall, she served as section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI headquarters. From national security to public corruption, we’ll learn more about the FBI’s mission today, and about the professional journey that resulted in McNamara’s historic appointment to her post in Milwaukee. 12:15 p.m., Eckstein Hall, Reserve Your Spot

In public esteem, the FBI has been up and it has been down. Under legendary director J. Edgar Hoover the prowess and professionalism of the “G-men” were almost mythical in the perceptions of the public.

But Hoover was the perfect exemplification of Acton’s dictim that “power corrupts,” and when his abuses of power were publicized in the late 60s and 1970s, the reputation of the Bureau took a hit.

But bureaucracies tend to maintain themselves, and in spite of Hoover’s excesses, the FBI continued to be an organization with a high degree of professionalism.

Today, the Bureau doesn’t tower over local law enforcement agencies in terms of professionalism the way it once did, because those local agencies are now much better trained and expert.

But the Bureau is still a rather elite agency, a prestigous place to be if you are in law enforcement, and “front and center” in the war against terror.

On the Issues with Mike Gousha: More Speakers

Tuesday, October 12, 12:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton—The future of the state’s largest school district will be the topic when the city’s new superintendent visits the Law School. Dr. Thornton will offer his thoughts on improving academic performance in MPS and on stabilizing the district’s fiscal situation.

Reserve your spot now.

Tuesday, November 16, 12:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle

Reserve your spot now.

Questions? Please email or call (414.288.3167).

On The Issues for Fall, 2010

We have regularly blogged on the Marquette Law School “On the Issues” series.

We are a great fan of it. It is (first) ideologically balanced, giving equal time to Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. And (second) Mike Gousha, who puts the series together, has the ability to get imporant “movers and shakers” to come and speak.

Here is the schedule for this fall:

• On the Issues: Bradley Center Board Chairman Marc Marotta – September 30
• On the Issues: Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause Wisconsin and Rick Esenberg, Marquette Law School Professor – October 5
• On the Issues: Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton – October 12
• On the Issues: Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate - October 26
• On the Issues: Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour – November 6

If the past is any guide, other programs will be added, so regularly checking the series website regularly would be a good idea.

Live Blogging Archbishop Listecki

From Marquette Law School.

Introduction from Mike Gousha. Nice round of applause.

Gousha: What is it like to follow Dolan?

Listecki: Listecki talks about how outgoing and friendly Dolan was. He liked to laugh a lot, had a sense of joy.

Dolan "Has at least one big belly laugh every day."

Gousha: Are you similar to Dolan?

Listecki: Similar in many ways. Difference in training. Difference in way we come at things.

Listecki was trained in civil law, which is its own "language." Listecki never intended to go into legal practice.

Gousha: You've been called the "law and order bishop." Or the political bishop.

Listecki: Explains he wrote a letter about Nancy Pelosi when she just flatly misrepresented the Church's position on abortion.

But doesn't want to "stick his nose" into everything.

There is a real church teaching, and it should not be allowed to degenerate into "this is just an opinion" or "that is just an opinion."

Also supported the Bishop that took Notre Dame to task for giving honorary degree to Barack Obama.

Listecki was one of many bishops in both cases.

"For those two things I get called 'political.'"

Gousha: what about somebody who has done good work for the poor, but favors "abortion rights."

Listecki: Life is the fundamental right. It doesn't make a lot of sense to talk about the other good things somebody has done if they condone abortion.

Gousha: So you aren't going out looking for a fight. But then why don't all bishops take such positions?

Listecki: Differences in personality.

Gousha: How do you find Milwaukee?

Listecki: Lots of resources and lots of development. The city a "great gift." Talks of arts. Lots of diversity. We still have people coming over as the first generation from Europe.

Gousha: What are the challenges?

Listecki: For any bishop, it is always personnel, schools and finances. Sexual abuse a pressing issue that always has to be addressed. Have to be sure that never, ever happens again.

Then the issue is healing. Have to deal with the emotional aspect.

Gousha: Don't unresolved sexual abuse law suits affect the well-being of the Archdiocese?

Listecki: Yes they do.

Gousha: Is bankruptcy "on the table."

Listecki: Yes, de facto it is something you might have to do.

Listecki: All cases must be reported, and Listicki is obligated to remove the priest immediately, if the charge is "credible." That's by charter.

Other issue: older cases. Beyond statue of limitations, but we will do what we can.

Third case: Adult complains about sexual abuse. Listicki will respect confidentiality if asked. Adult situation different from minor situation. Minor abuse always reported.

Gousha: Police Chief said Listecki's statements were untrue.

Listecki: Question was asked whether archbishop would report sexual abuse of minors. Insists he has a legal obligation to do that. Chief was not there. FBI looked at policy, prosecutors looked at policy, and passed it.

Gousha: Claim that LaCrosse archdiocese sided against victims of sex abuse much less than the national average.


Listecki: Claims that the numbers went back way before he took over, and his board (which made the decisions) acted with professionalism.

Will meet with any individual victim of abuse, but doesn't believe in politicizing issue (a swipe at activist group SNAP).

Gousha: How important education?

Listecki: We have to do our best to make Catholic education accessible and affordable. Education a way out of poverty. Especially Catholic education [Ed. a well-deserved swipe at public schools.]

Gousha: What do you do to reach younger people? What about "social media," for example?

Listecki: First, talk to younger people. Listecki can't text, "my fingers are too fat."

But regardless of the technology, "face to face contact is the most important."

Audience Question: What about the outlook for vocations?

Listecki: Pointed out that in LaCrosse, the archdiocese was heavily dependent on foreign priests. Claims to have changed that.

Says the Church has too long been in "containment mode." Didn't challenge people. Believes "the vocations are there" is people are challenged to consider them.

He notes that in Milwaukee, under Dolan, men going into the priesthood have increased from one per year to five or six.

Audience Question: What about Catholic kids in public schools?

Listecki: Talks about the need to convince parents that the sacrifice of paying for a Catholic school is worth it.

He sometimes hears Catholic educators, asked to explain why their schools are special, say "we teach values." He thinks that a pretty lame reply, and that it needs to go way beyond that.

Audience Question: What about the vocation of the Catholic lawyer?

Listecki: Says it's a "noble vocation." Law is a language to itself, and it's worth learning the language.

But there is a potential ethical problem: a lawyer must be willing to represent "both sides" in a case -- or more properly, either side. How is this resolved? By a "commitment to the ethics of the profession?"

Audience Question: What about the Latin Mass?

Listecki: Thinks it's fine for people who prefer that mode of spiritual expression. Cites the Pope on this. Doesn't think there will be any stampede of Catholics to the Latin Mass, but there is nothing wrong with having it available.

Audience Question: Priesthood vs. lay roles in church

Listecki: He certainly doesn't propose anything radical, but he applauds the revival of the role of deacon, which languished for centuries.

Mentions something called Mission 21.

He tells of how he wanted to be a priest from age two and a half or three years old. (He doesn't actually remember, but was told this by his parents.)

Mentions that you hear stories of parents forcing a young man into the priesthood, but this was not the case with him. One parent wanted him to be a doctor, and the other a lawyer. He never remembers wanting to be anything but a priest. But notes that "God always gets the last laugh," since he is now an Archbishop, and can't function as a simple parish priest.

Winding Up

Listecki gets a good round of applause at the end.

As the crowd leaves, he has an impromptu press conference with four of the local TV stations (Channels 4, 6, 12 and 58) and the Journal-Sentinel. The questioning is respectful but pointed, since Listecki was involved in some controversy in LaCrosse on the issue of priestly sexual abuse.

“On the Issues” at the Law School: Fall Schedule

Via e-mail:

Wednesday, September 2—U.S. Senator Herb Kohl—Wisconsin’s senior Senator visits the Law School to discuss health care reform and other important issues facing the nation. Kohl, a Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 1988. Before entering the world of politics, he helped build his family-owned business, Kohl’s grocery and department stores. Senator Kohl is also the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, the city’s professional basketball team. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

Tuesday, September 8—Wisconsin’s Drunken Driving Laws—They are among the most lenient in the country, but is that about to change? As the state legislature prepares to go back to work, we’ll talk with two lawmakers pushing to toughen drunken driving laws in the state, Representatives Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) and Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis). 12:15 to 1:15, Room 325

Wednesday, September 16—Former U.S. Attorneys Steven Biskupic and Erik Peterson—These two former federal prosecutors will share their unique perspectives on a job that can be simultaneously rewarding, challenging, and politically charged. Biskupic served as U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District from 2002 to 2008. He is now a private litigator. Peterson was U.S. Attorney from 2006 to 2009 and now works for the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Both are Marquette Law School graduates. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

Tuesday, October 13—Bradley Foundation President and CEO Michael Grebe—Join us for a wide-ranging discussion when this well-known attorney and civic leader visits the Law School. Grebe ran one of the nation’s largest law firms, Foley and Lardner, before joining the influential Bradley Foundation as its CEO. He has also long been active politically, overseeing national conventions for the Republican Party. In addition, Grebe is Chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. 12:15 to 1:15, Room 325

Saturday, November 7—PBS NewsHour Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff—Woodruff one of the nation’s most respected journalists, has covered politics and other news for more than three decades. Woodruff worked as a White House correspondent for NBC News and as an anchor and senior correspondent for CNN. Since joining PBS in 2007, Woodruff has played a key role in delivering the day’s news to millions of NewsHour viewers. 3 to 4 p.m., Room 325

Monday, November 23—USA Today Legal Affairs Correspondent Joan Biskupic—Biskupic is the author of the new book, American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The author of an earlier biography about retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Biskupic was given unprecedented access to Justice Scalia. She’ll discuss her new book and her perspective on the nation’s highest court, which she has covered since 1989. Biskupic received a law degree from Georgetown University. She received her undergraduate degree at Marquette. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

We have consistently lauded this speakers series at the Law School. Mike Gousha has a history of getting speakers who are important people, “movers and shakers,” people with something interesting to say, and people representing liberal and conservative (as well as ideosyncratic) points of view.

He continues in that tradition.

You can go to the registration page and reserve a place. You’ll be asked whether you are Marquette faculty, a Marquette lawyer, a Marquette student, or “other.” “Other” -- meaning members of the Milwaukee community, are quite welcome.

Forthcoming at the Law School

From On the Issues with Mike Gousha, two programs that promise to be stimulating and informative:

Thursday, March 26 — Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidates Tony Evers and Rose Fernandez—Join us for what is sure to be a spirited and informative discussion as the candidates for superintendent address the challenges facing the Milwaukee Public Schools and districts across the state of Wisconsin. Tony Evers is currently Deputy State Superintendent. He has been a teacher, principal, and superintendent of the Verona and Oakfield school districts. Rose Fernandez has been a nurse, hospital administrator, businesswoman, and advocate for virtual schools. Learn more about their positions on key issues when the candidates visit the Law School just 10 days before the election. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Room 325

NEW Wednesday, April 8 — Educational reform advocate Dr. Howard Fuller—The former Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, Dr. Fuller will visit the Law School to discuss what works in urban education, the future of the school voucher program, and his “no excuses” approach to educating our children. Dr. Fuller is an outspoken advocate for educational options for low-income families. Passionate and sometimes controversial, he is a Distinguished Professor of Education at Marquette University and Founder/Director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning. Noon to 1 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eisenberg Memorial Hall, 3rd floor.

The programs are open to all, but you must register to attend here.

On the Issues at the Law School: Update

The updated schedule of the Marquette Law School series “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

• Thursday, January 29—Attorneys and former judges Michael Brennan and John Franke—How do judges view trial lawyers? We’ll hear the unique perspective of former Milwaukee County Judges Brennan and Franke, who are returning to careers as trial lawyers with the Milwaukeean firm of Gass, Weber and Mullins. We’ll also learn more about their decision to leave the bench to take on new challenges. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall
  
  
• Tuesday, February 10—Milwaukee’s Sick Leave Ordinance—Supporters say it will improve the lives of families and workers. Critics say it will seriously damage Milwaukee’s ability to attract and retain businesses. On the day the city’s new sick leave ordinance is scheduled to take effect, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the new law. Our guests will be Amy Stear, the Wisconsin Director of 9to5 National Association of Working Women, and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Tim Sheehy. The MMAC is challenging the ordinance, which requires employers in Milwaukee to provide their employees with up to nine paid sick days each calendar year. Join us at the Law School for this timely debate. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Marquette Law School.
  
  
• Tuesday, February 17—U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan—With the nation facing its most serious economic downturn since the Great Depression, we’ll talk with Congressman Ryan about the road to recovery and the nation’s exploding debt. A Republican from Janesville, Wisconsin, Ryan has been called one of the “rising stars” in Washington. His recent “Roadmap to the Future” proposal to reform federal entitlement programs won him praise from both Republicans and Democrats alike. Congressman Ryan, currently serving his fifth term as a member of Congress, is the ranking member of the House Budget Committee. He also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Ryan was first elected to Congress at the age of 28. He was re-elected to a fifth term in November. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Marquette Law School.
  
  
• Tuesday, March 17—Former Detroit Mayor and Former American Bar Association President Dennis Archer—A highly respected attorney and public policy leader, Mr. Archer will discuss his legal career and the challenges facing American cities during his Law School visit. Archer was Mayor of Detroit from 1993 to 2001, winning high marks for the city’s economic development efforts during that period. Chairman of Detroit’s Dickinson Wright law firm, Archer also made history in 2003, when he became the first African-American president of the American Bar Association. He is a former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and has the distinction of having been appointed legal guardian for civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and helped settle her estate. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Room 325

The schedule has changed a bit from the one we previously published. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has been dropped from the web page of forthcoming events, since his talk has attracted about 150 registrants, and there is simply no more space. Selig will indeed be speaking on February 3. An extremely interesting forum on the Sick Leave Ordinance has been added.

Spring Semester Speakers At Law School

From the continuing Law School series “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

Wednesday, January 21 — Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn—When he arrived in Milwaukee last January, one of Chief Flynn’s first public appearances was at Marquette Law School, where he laid out his strategy for reducing crime. Today, violent crime is down dramatically in the city. What worked and why? And do residents feel their community is safer? Find out when the Chief returns to the Law School for a candid assessment of his first year on the job. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

Thursday, January 29 — Attorneys and former judges Michael Brennan and John Franke—How do judges view trial lawyers? We’ll hear the unique perspective of former Milwaukee County Judges Brennan and Franke, who are returning to careers as trial lawyers with the Milwaukeean firm of Gass, Weber and Mullins. We’ll also learn more about their decision to leave the bench to take on new challenges. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

Tuesday, February 3 — Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig—He is one of the most powerful men in the world of sports. Since becoming Commissioner, Selig has been a catalyst for change in the nation’s pastime. Join us when this Milwaukee native visits the Law School to discuss the challenges facing baseball, the relationship between players and owners, and the value of professional sports franchises to cities. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

People who want to come need to sign up at this web page. Usually, there are ample seats, but particularly popular events can sometimes fill up.

This speakers series has been a particularly successful one, largely for three reasons: (1.) it has been ideologically balanced, with about an equal number of liberal and conservative speakers, (2.) Gousha has the local visibility and stature to recruit Wisconsin’s “movers and shakers” -- people worth seeing close up, and (3.) the typical format involves Gousha interviewing the speaker, and Gousha is a good interviewer.

More speakers will doubtless be scheduled for spring semester.

“On the Issues” At the Law School: Another Season of Top Notch Speakers

This was via e-mail from the Law School, but the same information can be found here.

Tuesday, September 9—Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker debate the future of transportation in Milwaukee. The two leaders disagree on how $91 million in federal money should be spent to meet our transportation needs. Is there room for compromise? What transportation options should be available and how do we pay for them? Join us for what is sure to be a lively discussion. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Wednesday, September 10—The future of the region’s most precious resource, the Great Lakes, will be the topic when President and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Cameron Davis, visits the Law School. Davis, a lawyer, will discuss the Great Lakes Compact and efforts to address the serious problems posed by invasive species, pollution, and falling lake levels. Davis has an extensive background in environmental law and has worked for both the United Nations and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Alliance for the Great Lakes has received the American Bar Association’s Distinguished Award for Environmental Law and Policy. Noon, Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Thursday, September 18—Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Joe Wineke preview the November elections. What role will Wisconsin play in the outcome of this year’s presidential race? Which party will win control of the state legislature? We’ll go inside the fall campaign with the leaders of the state’s two major political parties. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Thursday, September 25—Milwaukee County Judge Maxine Aldridge White visits the Law School to discuss her career, the community, and the pursuit of justice. Judge White grew up in the Mississippi Delta, the daughter of sharecroppers, and went on to become a Marquette lawyer. She is a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and the new president of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers. Judge White is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Marquette University’s 2007 Service to the Community Award. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Tuesday, October 7—How do we improve relations between law enforcement and residents in high crime neighborhoods? Yale Law School Professor Dan M. Kahan and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm offer their perspectives on policing and prosecution at this noontime event. Professor Kahan, who will deliver this year’s Boden Lecture, has written extensively about efforts in Chicago to reduce crime and respond to concerns of residents. District Attorney Chisholm has received recognition for his department’s attempts to engage the community. We’ll look at what works and why in this hour-long discussion. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Wednesday, October 15—Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres offers his unique perspective on the dynamic global economy and our region’s evolving local economy. Manpower is a world leader in the employment services industry, with corporate headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. It ranks 120th on the Fortune 500 list and does business in more than 80 countries and territories. It has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Best Managed Companies in America” and has also been named one of the world’s most ethical companies. In addition to running a $21 billion company, Joerres, a Marquette University graduate, is actively involved in efforts to improve the local economy. Noon, Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Reserve your spot now!

Questions?
Contact Christine Wilczynski-Vogel
Assistant Dean for External Relations
(414) 288-3167

We have been quite impressed with this speakers series at the Law School. In the first place, it has included the “movers and shakers” in Milwaukee and Wisconsin politics -- people worth seeing because of the political role they play.

In the second place, the series has been ideologically balanced, with close to equal numbers of liberals and conservatives. This has been a series for people who don’t mind looking at both sides of issues.

Two Views of the War on Terror

The Law School continues to host a balanced (and interesting) slate of speakers. Coming up next week: the War on Terror.

You are invited to attend Marquette University’s Annual McGee Lecture

“Less Safe, Less Free: Why America Is Losing the War on Terror”

by Georgetown Law Professor David Cole

Monday, April 7, 2008
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Union, 3rd floor - Marquette Campus
No charge

Please reserve your spot by April 2.

This event is sponsored by the Marquette University Department of Social and Cultural Sciences, the Milwaukee Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, and Marquette Law School.

Parking is available for $5 in Parking Structure 1 on 16th Street between Wisconsin Avenue and Wells Street.

Questions?
Christine Wilczynski-Vogel
Assistant Dean for External Relations
(414) 288-3167

It might seem that Cole is just another leftist professor. And in fact, he really is just another leftist professor.

But then there is this:

Top military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay visits Law School

Col. Lawrence Morris, Law ‘82, the chief prosecutor of the Guantanamo military commissions, will be the next guest for the “On the Issues with Mike Gousha” series at Marquette University Law School, Wednesday, April 2, at noon in Eisenberg Hall, third floor of Sensenbrenner Hall. Morris will discuss his role at Guantanamo and offer a perspective on the upcoming trials of six suspected al Qaeda conspirators.

Morris, who will be prosecuting the alleged planners of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, was commissioned into the United States Army as a military intelligence officer. He has also has served as chief of the Army’s Trial Defense Service and was the chief lawyer at West Point Military Academy.

Morris is a Marquette Law School grad.

Of course, the primary sponsor of the Cole speech is the hard-left Sociology Department (aka Social and Cultural Sciences), while the Law School itself is doing the Morris speech. But the net result is that people who want can hear both sides of the issue.

Speakers Series at Law School Continues

The outstanding speakers series at Marquette’s Law School continues.

Tuesday, March 25—Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and State Senator Lena Taylor—One week before election day, the two candidates for Milwaukee County Executive will debate the issues during an evening appearance at the Law School. What are their respective visions for Milwaukee County? This event is co-sponsored by the Law School, Marquette University’s Aspin Center, and the political website Wispolitics.com, and will be broadcast by Milwaukee Public Television. 7 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eisenberg Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor

Wednesday, April 2—Colonel Lawrence Morris, Chief Prosecutor of the Guantanamo military commissions—This is a rare opportunity to hear from the man who will be prosecuting the alleged planners of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Col. Morris is a 1982 Marquette University Law School graduate who was commissioned into the United States Army as a military intelligence officer. Col. Morris also has served as chief of the Army’s Trial Defense Service and was the chief lawyer at West Point Military Academy. Col. Morris will discuss his role at Guantanamo and offer a perspective on the upcoming trials of six suspected al Qaeda conspirators. Noon to 1 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eisenberg Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor

Thursday, April 10—Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent William Andrekopoulos— Are the city’s schools headed in the right direction? How do we improve academic performance and raise graduation rates in Milwaukee? MPS Superintendent William Andrekopoulos will share his vision for the state’s largest school district on April 10, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Room 325.

Wednesday, April 16—Federal Judges Diane Sykes and Terence Evans—She used to be his law clerk. Now, they serve together on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Sykes and Judge Evans will discuss their careers, their decisions to pursue public service, and their friendship on April 16, Noon to 1 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Room 325.

What is so significant about all this is that, as is seldom the case at Marquette (or any university, for that matter) the series is ideologically balanced, with both conservative and liberal speakers.

New Blogs from Marquette Law School Students

We always welcome new blogs on campus.

So we note there are two new blogs from Marquette Law School students.

It might make sense that law students are especially likely to blog, since blogging has taken much deeper root among law school faculty than among faculty elsewhere in the modern university.

If we had to speculate, we might guess that lawyers, unlike people in other professions, have to be good at sitting down and knocking out, in a rather limited time, a pretty decent piece of writing. This would make them the perfect people to blog.

At any rate, we have Brazen Maverick, from a first-year liberal student, and Roaches and Twinkies from one of his first-year conservative cohorts.

Both bloggers are currently pretty active.

We wish them the best, hope they enjoy the blogging and hope that they keep it up during the rest of their Marquette careers.

We especially encourage them to blog on campus events and issues, following in the footsteps of the now defunct Campus Tavern, and the still very active GOP3.COM.

Report, comment, air dirty laundry. It’s fun, and it makes Marquette a better university.

Joe Wilson On Campus This Afternoon

From an e-mail sent to the University community:

Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson—The husband of former CIA agent Valerie Plame, Wilson is making a just-announced campaign visit to Milwaukee on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Wilson is a former diplomat, who accused the White House of intentionally leaking his wife’s covert role to the press after he contested the administration’s reasons for going to war in Iraq. Last–minute scheduling allows Mr. Wilson to answer questions “On the Issues” with Mike Gousha at Marquette Law School this afternoon, Tuesday, at 4:00 p.m. in Eisenberg Hall, 3rd floor, Marquette Law School.

We won’t be able to attend, because of office hours, but we hope that some well-informed people will be there so hold him accountable for some of the untruths he has told.

The record is now quite clear, and has been detailed not only in conservative blogs, but in the Washington Post.

Wilson’s claim that White House officials “outed” his wife Valerie Plame to punish him for negative statements about the Bush Administration. In reality, Richard L. Armitage revealed her name.

The willingness of Clinton to use Wilson radically compromises her own credibility.

State Supreme Court Candidate Gableman At Marquette Tomorrow

From an e-mail sent to the Marquette community by the Office of Marketing and Communication:

Law School hosting forum with Michael Gableman

State Supreme Court candidate Michael Gableman is the next guest for “On the Issues with Mike Gousha” at the Law School. Gableman will discuss his judicial philosophy and whether judicial campaigns should look like other political campaigns on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in room 325 of Sensenbrenner Hall, 1103 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Gableman, a Burnett County Circuit Court judge, is running against Justice Louis Butler in the upcoming election. He is a former district attorney, administrative law judge, adjunct professor of law, deputy corporation counsel, private practice attorney and teacher. Justice Butler appeared at the Law School in November; a podcast of his appearance is available online.

Visit the Law School Web site for more information and to register.

We probably won’t be able to live blog he event.

Live Blogging Gun Control Debate At Marquette Law School

Esenberg introduces both participants.

Lott speaks first:

Notes that DC brief in case (District of Columbia v. Heller) makes mostly policy arguments, not Constitutional arguments.

Does Bill of Rights confer on individuals a right to own guns? Lott says yes. When one looks at the language of Second and Fourth Amendments, it was clear that it protects individuals.

Lexington and Concord were about British trying to take guns.

Can DC argue that a gun ban protects public safety? Lott says no. Murders have increased since the DC gun ban was put in place. Murder rates were falling before the ban, and began to rise after it. Same with all violent crime.

Compare DC to Virginia and Maryland: DC was falling relative to those states (and counties in those states adjacent to DC) before the ban, and began to rise afterward.

Look at other cities, like Chicago. After gun ban, Chicago regularly had the highest murder rate among the 10 largest cities.

DC (in brief to Supreme Court) is pointing to other countries, urging the Court to follow the policy of foreign countries. But if we look at, for example, Britain, their crime rate has radically increased since they instituted a gun ban.

Even going back to 1900, crime in Britain has had nothing to do with gun ownership.

Lott mentions other nations.

Problem: if you try to take guns away from criminals, in fact the criminals won’t obey the law. You can get more crime if you actually disarm law-abiding citizens.

DC will let people own rifles and shotguns, but they must be locked up and disassembled. But that prevents people from actually using them for self-protection. Studies show that “safe storage” laws increase both murder and rape.

Is passive behavior better when faced with assault? Lott says that, particularly for those who are physically weak, having a gun makes you safer.

What about the notion that guns laying around will be used when somebody get mad.

Lott points out that murderers are not average citizens, they have long histories of personal problems, and they are particularly likely to be black. So it doesn’t help a lot to keep guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens.

What about children? Lott says look at mortality data on CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website. Very few handgun deaths among children. And most of the killers are adult males with long criminal histories shooting (sometimes accidentally) children, not children somehow getting possession of a gun.

Withers:

Says the Second Amendment doesn’t matter!

Mentions Miller decision, which says that individuals don’t have the right to own guns.

Says it took the Court of Appeals 58 pages to “get around” this.

Admits there is an “individual liberty interest” in the ownership of guns. Our history and tradition have created this. State constitutions enshrine this right.

DC seems to believe that the “collective right” issue (the traditional liberal argument that only the collective, and not individual people have the right) is going to disappear and the Court is likely to uphold an individual right.

Says the “key issue” is the policy issues. Wants to frame it as a “public health” issue.

If we address the issue as a crime issue, we go astray. Points out there are two suicides for every murder in Wisconsin.

Points to large geographic disparities. Murder/suicides outside Milwaukee metro area. Often the person is committing suicide, and taking other people with them.

Admits that Lott is right about the small number of child accidental shootings. But when there was a very small number of aspirin poisonings, we went to child-proof caps. So we should “modify the product” (guns) to make it safer for kids.

Wants a national system of public safety oversight on guns.

Wants to avoid Second Amendment issue. Makes arcane analogy to a streetlight being out.

Wants “better information” that might provide basis for outlawing or requiring the licensing of guns.

Esenberg Asks the first questions:

Politicians living in high crime areas, they tend to be stridently opposed to things like concealed carry.

Lott responds: people in those areas would be biggest beneficiaries. But people get their information from the media. Guns are used much more often to defend against crime than used to commit crime. But consider media bias: if a gun is brandished in defense it doesn’t make the news, but if somebody is shot, that gets reported.

Esenberg addresses Withers:

If you accept the notion that the nation would be safer with no guns in circulation, there are 200 million guns out there. Is it possible to get all of them? And what about concealed carry and crime rates? Even if Lott is wrong about deterrence, nobody has produced a serious study showing that concealed carry increased crime.

Withers:

Admits that concealed carry does not increase crime!

Repeats we need better information.

Isn’t a big fan of trigger guards, since they can cause a misfire and kill somebody.

Claims that certain design flaws can be eliminated. Seems to want a combination lock on guns.

Says “get realistic about what causes deaths in Milwaukee:” fighting and alcohol.

Question for Withers from Audience:

What about suicides? Won’t people find a way to kill themselves?

Withers responds that guns are simply more effective, and a lot of people will fail when guns are lacking. They may then change their minds.

Question for Lott:

What about black market? Lott says there is robust evidence, including nations that have a lot better chance of actually enforcing a ban, that outlawing guns simply creates a huge black market.

Lott admits that increase in crime in Britain is not just from banning guns, but the rise of the drug trade. But drug dealers are not going to obey gun laws. So the black market booms.

What about licensing guns? That doesn’t help. Guns are almost never left at the crime scene, and when they are, they are almost never registered. So virtually no crimes are solved this way.

Withers:

Agrees that cross-national comparisons don’t help.

Lott challenges Withers to name a jurisdiction that has reduced gun violence with a gun ban. Wiithers admits he doesn’t know of one!

Commentary

Quite an excellent debate with (in our view) Lott coming off ahead. To a degree, this is because Withers was very scrupulous about not overstating his case, and thus conceded much to Lott.

Withers deserves a lot of credit for being willing to debate Lott when a lot of people (including a very large number of Marquette professors) declined to do so. Still, Withers was a good advocate, and bona fide expert in public health issues, and he presented a thoroughly reasonable persona.

One glitch: the crowd vastly exceeded expectations. The Federalist Society supplied lasagna, which ran out. It was standing room only.

Which, combined with the high intellectual of the debate, makes this a signal success.

Real Diversity: Issues Discussion at the Marquette Law School

We just got this via e-mail:

Tuesday, August 28th—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editor-in-Chief Marty Kaiser—Are newspapers becoming obsolete in today’s rapidly changing media world? What role do they play in shaping public policy? Marty Kaiser, the editor of the state’s largest newspaper, joins the Law School’s Mike Gousha for the first of this fall’s series of conversations with local and national newsmakers. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Thursday, September 13th—Talk radio host Charlie Sykes—What is the impact of talk radio on public policy? Well-known talk radio and television host Charles Sykes visits the law school to talk about his role in the public arena. The author of six books, including the best-selling A Nation of Victims, will also discuss his latest book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Tuesday, September 25th—Milwaukee Attorney Cory Nettles—He’s the former State Commerce Secretary and is now a partner at Quarles and Brady in Milwaukee, but he is doing much more than practicing law at a major firm. Learn about his efforts to create new business opportunities in Milwaukee and transform our community. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Wednesday, September 26th—Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker will discuss the future of the county and his political future. The County Executive will also give us a preview of his proposed budget which will be unveiled the following day. – Room 325, Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 3rd—Washington Post Associate Editor Kevin Merida—Who is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas? Award-winning journalist Kevin Merida offers his insights into one of the most powerful but private men in America. An Associate Editor with the Washington Post, Merida is the co-author of the new book, Supreme Discomfort, a profile of Justice Thomas. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 4th—The Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee—He’s the leader of southeast Wisconsin’s 675-thousand Catholics. Archbishop Timothy Dolan joins us for a candid discussion of the challenges facing the Church. The Archbishop will also offer his perspective on key issues facing Milwaukee. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), 12:10 to 1:00 p.m

Tuesday, October 9th—State Senators Alberta Darling and Lena Taylor—Is state government working the way it’s supposed to work? Or is it broken, beset by partisan bickering? Two powerful state lawmakers, Republican Alberta Darling of Mequon and Democrat Lena Taylor of Milwaukee, visit the Law School to offer their views on the state of our State and discuss how business is done in Madison. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Friday, October 12th—PBS News Anchor Jim Lehrer—He’s the popular host of PBS’s nightly newscast, “NewsHour.” Jim Lehrer is an acclaimed journalist, the moderator of numerous presidential debates, and the author of more than a dozen books. Lehrer will visit the Law School to talk about his nightly broadcast, his experiences in journalism, and the changing media world. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 17th—Midwest Airlines CEO Tim Hoeksema—The man who runs Milwaukee’s popular hometown airline will offer his unique perspective on the efforts to buy Midwest and the sometimes competing interests of shareholders, employees, and communities. Tim Hoeksema shares a real-life lesson from the business world when he visits the Law School October 17th. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 23rd—Attorney Dean Strang—What impact are “new” media and the “information age” having on our justice system? Dean Strang, the lead defense attorney on the Steven Avery murder trial, shares his experiences and concerns when he visits the Law School. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Thursday, October 25th—Rev. Robert A.Wild, S.J.—Here’s your chance to hear from the man at the helm of Marquette University. Robert A. Wild, S.J., President of the University, joins us to talk about the Law School, the University, and other matters of interest. – Room 307, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

What is so odd about this lineup of speakers?

Simple: it’s ideologically balanced. Leaving aside some speakers who won’t be talking about things that are ideologically polarizing, it contains about an equal number of liberals and conservatives.

This stands in stark contrast to most programming at Marquette, and indeed at colleges generally.

It’s called the free market of ideas. Something academics used to claim they believed in (when it served their interests) but increasingly reject.