Works by Prof. Cited By Supreme Court in Landmark Gun Case and His Analysis Sought By National Blogs

Late last week the United States Supreme Court handed down its long-anticipated gun control decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. In the Court’s opinion, a book edited by Prof. Bogus is cited on pages 6, 16, and 20 of Justice Scalia’s majority opinion, while an amicus brief on behalf of a panel of distinguished historians for which he was Counsel is cited in on page 30 of Justice Stevens’ dissent. To read this opinion please click here.
National blogs from across the political spectrum also sought out Prof. Bogus for analysis of the Court’s decision.

Libertarian Dr. Roger Pilon Visits and Says Supreme Court Has It Way Wrong

In conjunction with a series of visits to leading law schools in New England, the RWU Law Federalist Society sponsored a lunch and talk by Dr. Roger Pilon, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Cato Institute (a libertarian think tank) and publisher of the CATO Supreme Court Review. I last saw Roger in the mid-1990s, at a retreat sponsored by the Institute for Justice, on the subject of “Overturning Slaughterhouse” (the bête noir of economic libertarians, that eviscerated the Privileges and Immunities Clause), and I can report that on balance he still thinks the Supreme Court is botching constitutional interpretation despite a significant change in personnel in the intervening years.
In his talk, Dr. Pilon traced libertarian thought from the ancient Greeks, through the constitutional and founding era, and bemoaned the changes wrought by the Progressive Era both legislatively, and then by the New Deal Era Supreme Court. Things have not gotten much better since then in his view, with Justice Kennedy and, perhaps surprisingly, Justice Scalia, coming in for special criticism. He also identified US v. Lopez (1995) (which for a brief time suggested a willingness to curtail sweeping federal legislative power) and last term’s DC v. Heller gun control decision, as rare bright spots. In sum, he is dismayed that there has been so little traction for his preferred approach to deciding cases—a return to a limited government/”enumerated powers” jurisprudence.
Dr. Pilon fielded questions on Run Paul’s run for the Republican presidential nomination, whether a libertarian philosophy was up to the challenge and complexities of the modern world, and whether he thought Chief Justice Roberts “had an agenda.” In order: Paul was too weak on executive power; the verities of limited government never grow old; and yes, Roberts wants to improve the ability of the Court to speak with a unified voice. (Interestingly, this was very similar to the answer given by the Chief Justice when he was asked that exact question during a Q&A with RWU Law students last semester.

Four Judicial Clerks in America’s Paradise

With good reason, the U.S. Virgin Islands are called “America’s Paradise.” Beautiful tropical beaches and a laid-back atmosphere are a great backdrop for beginning a law career, as four recent RWU Law grads are learning. Nagesh Tammara ‘04 paved the way for Melissa Malloy ‘07, Meetu Dhar ‘07 and Mary Kibble ‘08 to reap the benefits of working in the hands-on environment of the Virgin Island court system.
Nagesh found his way to the Virgin Islands through a friend’s recommendation and his experience was rewarding. “I witnessed several high-profile trials and have gained invaluable knowledge and skills as I move forward in my career as a litigator.” He also made it a personal goal to inform other Roger Williams students of the diverse and invaluable opportunities that the Virgin Islands offer.
Melissa discovered the opportunities in the Virgin Islands through Nagesh’s postings on the RWU Law Career Services website. “I knew that I wanted to clerk because it would enable me to sharpen my analytic, research, and writing skills before beginning my career as a litigator and/or appellate attorney.” Part of what drew her to the Virgin Islands was that the fact that the court is very young providing the opportunity to research how a particular issue is dealt with across all U.S. jurisdictions. Furthermore, Melissa has the chance to help make new case law with each new opinion she drafts.
Meetu has been clerking in the Superior Court for a year now. She has received excellent mentorship from her Judge. “I knew he had a lot to offer me for my continued professional growth. He has provided me with the guidance and knowledge needed to transition from law school to a working environment.”
Mary Kibble begins her clerkship at the Supreme Court in St. Croix in September. Best of luck to our law graduates in paradise!

Two things you need to check out

Both of these were pointed out to me by friends, and now I’m doing the friendly thing to do and sharing them with you.
You NEED to check out both of these websites:
Fail Blog
The 7 Commandments All Video Games Should Obey
If those weren’t enough to start off your morning (failblog has over 117 pages, how are you already done?) postsecret updates on Sundays so you can check that out as well.

Online Law School Rankings

1. Yale University (CT)
2. Stanford University (CA)
3. Harvard University (MA)
4. Columbia University (NY)
4. New York University
6. University of Chicago
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. University of California–Berkeley
8. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
8. University of Virginia
11. Duke University (NC)
12. Northwestern University (IL)
13. Cornell University (NY)
14. Georgetown University (DC)
15. University of California–Los Angeles
16. University of Texas–Austin
17. University of Southern California (Gould)
17. Vanderbilt University (TN)
19. George Washington University (DC)
19. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
19. Washington University in St. Louis
22. Boston University
22. University of Iowa
22. University of Notre Dame (IN)
22. Washington and Lee University (VA)
26. Emory University (GA)
27. Boston College
27. College of William and Mary (Marshall-Wythe) (VA)
27. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
27. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
27. University of Washington
32. Fordham University (NY)
32. University of Wisconsin–Madison
34. Brigham Young University (Clark) (UT)
34. University of California–Davis
34. University of Georgia
37. George Mason University (VA)
37. Indiana University–Bloomington
39. Ohio State University (Moritz)
39. Wake Forest University (NC)
41. University of Florida (Levin)
42. University of Maryland43. American University (Washington College of Law) (DC)
43. Southern Methodist University (TX)
43. Tulane University (LA)
43. University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa
43. University of Arizona (Rogers)
43. University of California (Hastings)
43. University of Colorado–Boulder
50. University of Connecticut
51. Baylor University (TX)
51. Case Western Reserve University (OH)
53. Arizona State University
53. Cardozo-Yeshiva University (NY)
53. Florida State University
53. University of Cincinnati
57. University of Utah (S.J. Quinney)
58. Brooklyn Law School (NY)
58. Temple University (Beasley) (PA)
60. Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago-Kent)
60. University of Missouri–Columbia
60. University of Pittsburgh
60. University of Tennessee–Knoxville
60. Villanova University (PA)
65. Loyola Law School (CA)
65. Rutgers State University–Camden (NJ)
65. University of Kentucky
65. University of Miami (FL)
65. University of San Diego
70. Loyola University Chicago
70. Seton Hall University (NJ)
70. University of Denver (Sturm)
70. University of Houston
70. University of Kansas
70. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
70. University of Oregon
77. Indiana University–Indianapolis
77. Lewis and Clark College (Northwestern) (OR)
77. University of New Mexico
80. DePaul University (IL)
80. Rutgers State University–Newark (NJ)
80. St. John's University (NY)
80. St. Louis University
80. University at Buffalo–SUNY
80. University of Oklahoma
80. University of Richmond (VA)
87. Louisiana State University–Baton Rouge
87. Mercer University (GA)
87. Northeastern University (MA)
87. Pennsylvania State University (Dickinson)
87. Pepperdine University (McConnell) (CA)
87. Santa Clara University (CA)
93. Seattle University
93. University of Hawaii (Richardson)
93. University of San Francisco
93. University of Toledo (OH)
97. Georgia State University
97. University of Mississippi
97. University of South Carolina
97. University of the Pacific (McGeorge) (CA)

Tips on Getting into Law School

As is the case with most aspects of law school, the admissions process is relatively similar for most schools. Below is a summary of the general process, along with a list of the factors that are considered in the process, as well as a brief description of these factors and their relative importance. It is important to note that in recent years a crop of high priced admissions advisers have cropped up across the country, touting themselves as "Law School Geniuses" and marketing their services at phenomenally high prices. While the information contained in this blog is just a "general description" there are thousands of online resources which provide detailed and accurate information on the application process. It may be frivolous to spend thousands of dollars on these so called "Geniuses" when you can find all the pertinent facts yourself on the information super highway in 20 minutes or less. After all, where do you think these advisers-for-hire have gained their so called insight into the law application process? Generally, unless they have logged some serious hours in the admissions office of a high tier law school, they may posses no more knowledge than you might after a few well placed clicks of the mouse and a phone call or two. A friend of mine in New York lost nearly $4,000 on an advisor who shall remain nameless for the sake of legalities. He held off purchasing an engagement ring in order to afford this worthless luxury. This is not to say that all law school application advisers are fools gold. It is plausible that they may offer valuable insight to nervous applicants. The bottom line is the level of their effectiveness is difficult to measure since the variety of student who is willing to pay such exaggerated fees mostly has an outstanding GPA and/or LSAT score and would likely achieve acceptance without any further guidance. The weight that a particular admissions committee attaches to a certain criteria will vary across law schools. However, the amount of variation tends to be small. Generally, there are two types of admissions decision making processes, that I call the quantitative approach and the holistic approach. The quantitative approach tends to focus primarily on a combination of LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA. Conversely, with the holistic approach, LSAT score and GPA are two of many factors that the admissions committees use to make decisions.
Economics is one of several majors frequently used to prepare for law school, especially for those interested in corporate or business law. Law schools look most favorably on a traditional disciplinary major, as long as you do very well in it .
Earn Excellent Grades.
Depending upon the quality of the law school, that could well mean at least the top 10 percent of your class.
Perform Very Well on the LSAT.
Performing very well on the LSAT is absolutely essential to getting into any law school. Buy LSAT preparation books early (in your sophomore year) and test yourself repeatedly. Then seriously consider taking one of the LSAT preparation courses either in the spring of your junior or the summer before your senior year. LSAT scores are averaged, so plan to take them early in your senior year when you are feeling well and rested.
Do a Law-Related Internship.
Law schools say internships don't matter much on an application, but they can help you decide whether law school is worth all the struggle.
Choose the Right Courses.
Although law schools say there are no particular courses in any discipline that will especially aid an application, they often recommend courses that emphasize comprehension, analysis, and writing. Certain courses introduce you to different aspects of the law and can help determine your area of interest; Business Law (BUS 222), Constitutional Law (POLS 363), and Civil Liberties Law (POLS 364) are three examples. Courses in critical thinking, logic, and mathematics are also suggested.

How to Prepare for Law School

While Political Science, History and English are the most common among those who apply for law school, you should only declare those majors if you enjoy them. The skills essential for law school preparation can be attained with any major. Therefore, you will actually increase your chances of admission into law school if you choose a major in which you are interested. Studying a subject you enjoy will help you acquire a higher GPA than if you were to take a major that you were not as interested in. The American Bar Association identified the following skills as essential:
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Critical reading skills
Writing skills
Oral communication and listening abilities
General research skills
Task organization and management skills
Value serving others and promoting justice
Assessing your chances of gaining admission to any particular law school requires a review of the most current admission's data available. There are several resources to help you:
ABA/LSAC Official Guide To ABA-Approved Law Schools This book [located in 135 Johnston Hall or online at www.lsac.org] includes facts and information on all ABA-approved law schools in the country. Data such as admission results for prior applicants are helpful to see how others with your GPA and LSAT scores fared last year.
Boston College Law School Range Finder
Princeton Review Advanced Law School Search
Law school catalogs Some law schools don't print all of their admission results in the ABA/LSAC Official Guide To ABA-Approved Law Schools; therefore, you can obtain an application booklet and/or catalog by contacting the law schools that you are interested in and requesting information. Many schools do have this available online.
What are "REACH", "TARGET", and "SAFETY" schools?
It is rare that an applicant will gain admission to all of the laws schools they apply to. Therefore, it is helpful to make educated guesses based on three categories of prospects.
REACH This is a law school where about 20% or less of the applicants with your GPA and LSAT scores were recently admitted. Your "REACH" applications should be your dream schools. Work hard to make your application one of the 4 they might accept.
TARGET This is a law school where your GPA and LSAT scores are approximately the same as the medians for last year's entering class. "TARGET" schools present at least a 50/50 chance.
SAFETY This is a law school where at least 80% of the applicants with your GPA and LSAT scores were admitted last year. Include several "SAFETY" schools on your list due to the accelerating applicant pools in terms of quality. What may have been a "SAFETY" school last year may have suddenly become a "TARGET" school instead.