Capital University Law School Students Sponsor Constitutional Law Discussions

March 24, 2004

On Thursday, March 18, 2004, the Women’s Law Association (WLA) at Capital University Law School sponsored panel discussions about two issues of constitutional law which are currently before the Supreme Court. Professors Mark Brown and Daniel Turack discussed the detention of citizens and foreign nationals in terrorism cases from constitutional and international perspectives. Professors James Beattie and Susan Gilles discussed the lawsuit to remove the phrase “under God” from the pledge of allegiance. Professor Shirley Mays moderated the discussions.

Beginning the first discussion regarding the rights of citizens and foreign nationals in terrorism cases, Professor Brown outlined the rules and cases presently in front of the Supreme Court. Professor Turack responded by citing international cases and laws which affect the issue.

The second discussion began with an outline by Professor Beattie of the case and history behind the lawsuit brought by a father, Michael Newdow, to remove the phrase “under God” from the pledge of allegiance recited in school by his daughter. Professor Gilles responded by re-positioning the case with historical background surrounding the use of pledges.

Capital University Law School students, faculty and staff packed the auditorium to hear these discussions. After each discussion, a question and answer session was held. Questions centered on issues such as whether definitions existed nationally and internationally for “enemy combatant” and “terrorist” as well as what alternate cases that could be brought concerning the phrase “under God” in the pledge of allegiance.

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