IBRL Student Division
Promoting an Understanding of the Bill of Rights
"A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government . . . "
Thomas Jefferson
Highlights
Constitutional Conversations
Announcement, May 2, 2011: The Virginia Public Library Directors Association named Constitutional Conversations an “Outstanding Cooperative Program” in the category of population served of 50,000 – 99,999.
Constitutional Conversations is a community-based education project designed to send law students into the community to educate citizens about their civic rights and duties. The goal is to inspire students and adults, alike, to become active participants in the democratic process. Instruction in the history and development of our fundamental Constitutional rights is an indispensable foundation for effective civics training for all Americans. It also serves as the basis for the unique engine of human change.
For more information, see: http://constitutionalconversations.org/
Silver Tongue Award
The Student Division of the Institute of Bill of Rights Law is proud to announce the 2011 recipient of the Edmund Randolph "Silver Tongue" Award for Oral Advocacy: Deputy Solicitor General Edwin S. Kneedler.
Edwin Kneedler is one of only eight people to argue more than 100 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has argued many controversial cases, including Ricci v. DeStefano, Wyeth v. Levine, INS v. St. Cyr, Legal Services Corp. v. Velazquez, and Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife. (For more About Dep. Gen. Kneedler's cases)
In addition, he represented the federal government in oral arguments in United States v. Arizona, the 2010 case challenging Arizona’s immigration law. See Jerry Markon, Edwin Kneedler a 'Savvy' Choice To Argue Suit Against Ariz. Immigration Law, Wash. Post, July 31, 2010. (See Washington Post Article)
Mr. Kneedler will participate in two events at the law school on Thursday, February 24:
Pizza Lunch
Thursday, February 24, 12:50-1:50p.m., Room 127. Join the IBRL Student Division for an opportunity to hear about the challenges faced by a Deputy Solicitor General. RSVP to IBRL@wm.edu by Tuesday, 4 pm.
Silver Tongue Award and Bushrod Final Round
Thursday, February 24, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, McGlothlin Courtroom. The Institute of Bill of Rights Law Student Division presents the Edmund Randolph Silver Tongue Award to Edwin S. Kneedler, Deputy Solicitor General, Office of the Solicitor General and The Bushrod Moot Court Competition Final Round.
No reservations needed for the Silver Tongue Award and Bushrod Final Round. Refreshments will follow.
The Bushrod finalists were Jessica Delaney and Tessa Vinson. Jessica, arguing on behalf of the Petitioner, won the gavel.
