RWU Moot Court Board Watches 1st Circuit Hear Arguments and then Discuss Judging
One of the great things about being the only law school in RI is the opportunity to interact with top judges, on a regular basis, and in a range of contexts. Earlier blog items have highlighted some of these opportunities (Judge Selya, Chief Justice Roberts, Associate Justice Antonin Scalia Pt1, Pt2), and the latest was a chance for members of the RWU Law Moot Court Board to witness arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit when a panel held court in Providence earlier this month. Chief Judge Sandra Lynch presided, joined by Judges Bruce Selya and Kermit Lipez.
The cases run the gamut from criminal (white-and-blue collar), to immigration, to a diversity breach of contract case. Most interesting, though, was the appeal from a judgment ordering the return of a valuable work of art, “The Girl from the Sabiner Mountains,” that had been confiscated by the Nazis prior to World War II but that had found its way into the collection of a German baroness, now living in RI. Among the many excellent advocates who appeared was the top federal law enforcement official in the state, Bob Corrente, the United States Attorney.
The students then joined approximately 200 of the leading litigators in the state at a lunch sponsored by the Federal Bar Association. The food was good, but the real draw was a panel discussion with the judges. The time flew by, but in an informal setting, the judges shared their thoughts on a range of practical matters, including the importance of oral argument to the disposition of cases, how judges are assigned to cases within the First Circuit, and how the judges handle the opinion-writing process. Those in attendance were treated to a valuable glimpse into the minds of leading jurists in New England.
Here are some photos from the panel and some of the attendees.
The Dean and Judge Selya
Chief Judge Lynch & Judge Selya
Judge Selya and Judge Lipez
(L-R): Stacey Nakasian (Duffey & Sweeney); the Honorable Robin Federer (President of the RI Federal Bar Association); the Dean; Hon. Mary Lisi, Chief Judge, (US DC RI); Judge Selya; Judge Lipez
