The Evidence is Clear: The Tibetan Experience was Great
In looking back over my summer, there are three takeaways that stand out to me. I have realized how much I love evidence law, the exhilaration of seeing others piece together the law, and how this internship assisted me in other areas.
First, I knew that I greatly enjoyed evidence law. It is why I accepted this internship and was excited for the opportunity. I did not fully realize how much I enjoyed evidence law until I began preparing for the zoom meetings this past summer, however. As I worked on putting together answers for the Commission’s questions and creating interesting examples, it truly was not a chore. It was quite enjoyable to really dig into the rules and the rationales underlying the rules. As I wrote in an earlier post, evidence law is like a cheat code. If you know the rules and how they interact with each other, the admission of evidence becomes much easier and the tactical moves to object to your opponent’s evidence become clear. This internship truly helped remind me of my love for evidence law.
Second, I realized how much fun it is to see others get that spark of understanding when it comes to evidence rules. As I answered questions and taught rules, I could see the moment when an example or an explanation would click the rule into place in the minds of the Commission. The Commission would often come in with an understanding of the rules but also some confusion about certain aspects of the rules. I could see the moment when I would explain the rule and/or give an example and complete understanding would wash over the Commission. Or, I could see as some of the frustrations I have with certain rules would also become their frustrations. The ability to help others find the enjoyment in the rules of evidence was truly amazing.
Finally, the process of reminding myself of the evidence rules and digging into the rules a bit more assisted me in my other internship. As I worked for the public defender’s office and assisted in trial preparation, all of this knowledge on evidence came into handy. I could, without doing research or consulting the rules, give my supervising attorney a preliminary estimation of if the evidence would be admissible. This was invaluable when it came to assisting in the preparation and also to do efficient research. Because I knew the rules so well, I knew exactly where to look and what was needed to get evidence admitted. So, not only was the internship with the Tibetan Commission enriching in and of itself, it also was enriching in the other areas of my work.
This experience was truly so enjoyable and an honor to be a part of. I know that this experience will be one that I cherish for years. I am beyond grateful that I had this opportunity.