3/12 Notes

Class Schedule Update

• Class Cancelation: No class next week on Friday. The following week will proceed as scheduled.

• Research Project Deadline: Refined proposal of your research topic due at the end of next week.

• Office Hours: Instructor available for questions both virtually and in-person during the regular class times. Appointments recommended for specific queries.

• Class Activities: On the following Friday and Monday, class sessions will focus on various topics and databases.

Focus on Research Project

• Assignment Components:

  • Refined idea of the topic.

  • Selection of sources.

  • Chosen format for the paper.

• Importance of feedback: Submitting the refined project early allows for comments before the end of the semester.

Documentary Assignment

• Assigned Documentary: "My Name is Paulie Murray" directed by the creators of the RPG documentary.

• Access: Not available in the library but provided via Canvas for a limited time (available until the end of next week).

• Related Activity: Upcoming doc lab on Monday to assist with the research project.

Understanding Paper Formats

• Importance of Subheadings: All formats chosen include subheadings that enhance both writing and reading experience.

• Benefits of Structure: Breaking the paper into specific parts aids in clarity for the reader and comprehension for the writer.

• Templates: Formal templates for each format will be provided.

Case Notes Structure

• General Format for Case Notes:

  • Introduction: Background information leading to case significance.

  • Legal Relevance: Key facts and relevant legal context.

  • Statement of the Case: Court ruling and analysis.

  • Conclusion: Implications for future jurisprudence.

  • Examples from Class: Previous example discussed on Johnson Patrols case notes.

Alternative Formats: Amicus Briefs

• Amicus Brief Structure: Similar to law review essays and judicial expectations.

  • Includes:

    • Table of Contents

    • Table of Authorities (similar to works cited)

    • Interest of the Amicus Curiae (who is submitting the brief)

    • Summary of Argument (functions as an abstract)

  • Persuasive Role: Briefs aim to influence justices’ perspectives through established arguments.

Law Review Articles

• Credibility: They undergo peer review, providing reliable sources for legal arguments.

  • Specialist Databases: Specific databases available for legal professionals that contain law reviews and other legal texts; understanding navigation is key for effective research.

  • Citation Importance: Always pay attention to publication year relevant to contemporary issues.

Intersectionality in Law

• Concept Overview: Examines the interaction between various forms of discrimination (race, gender, etc.) and how they shape individual experiences.

  • Legal Framework: Addresses failure of courts to acknowledge intersectional discrimination cases.

  • Application in Recent Cases: Example discussed of Rogers v. American Airlines and its impact.

• Kymberly Crenshaw's Contributions:

  • Intersectionality as a study of dynamic power structures, not just multiple identities.

  • Examples highlighted to illustrate the necessity of context.

Caldwell’s Arguments on Discrimination

• Case Specifics: Examined how anti-discrimination law fails to recognize intersectionality by treating cases in isolation.

  • Importance of understanding race and gender dynamics in workplace policies and standards.

• Critique of the Legal Standards: Judges often miss the nuances due to rigid classifications (i.e., race vs. gender).

  • Example used of hair discrimination policies and their disparate impacts on women of color.

Discussion on Professional Standards

• Professional Appearance vs. Identity: The connection between professional standards and how they reinforce racial and gender biases.

  • Communal Goals: Analyzing workplace grooming policies within the context of broader societal values.

• Current Events Highlight: Crown Act aimed at reducing discrimination against natural hairstyles.

Conclusion and Continuation of Discussions

• Forward looking: Upcoming discussions will further address intersectionality in various contexts, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding of multi-layered identities in legal frameworks and workplace policies.

• Assignment Reminder: Stay engaged with the concepts discussed as preparation for upcoming projects in class.