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1-31-1983

The Alledger, volume 02, number 07The Alledger

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Recommended CitationThe Alledger, "The Alledger, volume 02, number 07" (1983). The Alledger. Book 17.http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/alledger/17

·Registration Comes Home

Law Students Finally Processed on Newton Campus by Michael Clancy

After six years of law students making bi-annual pilgrimages to the main campus, registration ha come to Newton, proving once and for all that there is a God. On Wednesday and Thursday, February 2 and 3, the Boston College Registrar, Louise M. Lonabocker will take the spring semester edition of her critically acclaimed show on the road for its first ever Newton tour. The Registrar will bring two computers and will operate out of the placement lounge between the hours of 8-12 and 1-4.

Arranging for course registration on the Newton campus has been a long time in the making, and its pleasantly sudden appearance is due to a combination of persistent effort and good fortune. Charlie Pepper, Registrar here at the Law School, has been urging a Newton-based law school registration "ever since I got here h\/e years ago." Until recently, however, both technological and administrative barriers barred the way.

The ma[or problem was one of equipment: the Law School was simply unable to provide economically efficient hook-ups for the computer terminals which have become instrumental in the registration process. Adding to the resistance was an administrative sense that since Boston College was one university, a single registration procedure would best accommodate the needs of both the students and the administration .

With the appearance of three administrative computer terminals on the Newton campus in recent weeks, the technological hurdle was conquered. While the terminals themselves (two are located in the Admissions Office and one in the Registrar's Office) will not be used in

The B. C. Mock Trial finals were held on Saturday, January 29. Kevin Steiling and Dan Winslow, pictured above with Gary Barrett and Fred Cyker, competed against Denis King and

the registration, the computer link-ups to the main campus which were a necessary part of the installation will . The terminals which the B.C. Registrar will bring will be connected to extension leads already in place in the Placement Lounge.

Perhaps predictably, joys of registering for a semester at law school without leaving the Newton campus will not be available for everyone. Any

· student who has not paid their bill, or who will not be prepared to hand over the amount outstanding ontheirsprin'g semester bill at the time of registration (such payment, if made for the full amount of the balance owed, will be accepted on the Newton campus during registration time) will be forced to make the trek to see Mr. John Brown at the Main Campus. Parking permit distribution will also continue to be handled on the Majn Campus.

Mr. Pepper is quick to point out that this change in registration procedures is a completely voluntary act of beneficence on the part of the registrar and is being done on a trial basis. If things do not go smoothly, it is distinctly probable that the B.C. Reg istrar will never do another road show. Confusion and abuse seem most likely to occur in the financial clearance area. If your financial clearance card doesn't read $0, you don't have a check for the amount on the card, and you haven't spoken with Student Accounts on the main campus, you won't be allowed to register. Period . Since there will be no facilities available to iron out financial problems during law school registration, one would be well advised to do one's financial troubleshooting (Are you sure Mom and Dad have sent the check?) beforehand.

continued on page 5

Gerry Petros. Overall winners of the competition were Winslow and Steiling. All four finalists are now preparing for the regional competition, to be held at B. U.

*********** The National Moot Court team

competed in the national finals last week in New York City. Out of an original twenty-eight teams, the team of Allison Bell, Karen Del Ponte and

David Gluck made it to the first playoff round of sixteen teams, before losing to the eventual second place team from Tennessee. The home town team from N.Y. U. took first place.

Professor Charles Baron Professor Sanford Fox

B.C. Goes to France Baron & Fox to Visit Paris in Spring by Sheryl Serreze

From April 15th to May 15th of this spring semester, B.C. Law School will be participating in a new program, exchanging professors with the University of Paris at Nanterre. Prof. Sanford Fox will be teaching a general introduction to the American Legal System, and Prof. Charles Baron will offer an introductory course on Anglo­American Legal Philosophy, while in Paris. These courses will be taught 5 hrs. per week for the month long period of the exchange. Prof. Fox intends to teach his course in French, but Prof. Baron feels that when he tries to teach his first class in French, the students will understand and appreciate his teaching the remainder in English.

B.C.L.S., in the meantime, will offer a 1 credit course on International Arbitration Law, taught by the U. of Paris Professor Brigette Stern. The B.C. Professors are currently looking for hotels in the Paris area. Their transportation expenses will be paid by B.C.L.S. and they will receive salaries from the U. of Paris.

The exchange was arranged under a Cultural Exchange Treaty between France and the U.S., which fosters a general cultural exchange between the two countries. The plans for such a program have been in the offing for several years, but the visit to B.C.L.S.

last year of Professor Michel Troper of the U. of Paris helped further the exchange. While at B.C., Professor Troper gave some lectures and conducted research, as well as convinced several professo rs and members of the staff that an exchange program would be mutually beneficial.

Aside from the obvious pleasures of being in Paris in the spring, Professor Fox feels that exposure to another country's methods of legal education will be refreshing. Fox also plans to do some research on a study in which he is involved, the lntern,ational Study on Children in Prison . Professor Baron also i~ observe the French legyeducation system and enjoy the c)i(ange of scenery.

On their return, Dean Huber intends to decide whether to continue the program. Many factors will influence this decision, including the response to Professor Stern's course here at B.C.

It may be possible fo students to participate in this program at some future date. Some additional problems are associated with student exchanges, including tuition remissions, course credit exchanges and greater language barriers.

The future of the program will depend on the outcome of this exchange. Good luck and bon voyage Professors Fox and Baron.

Major Changes in LSAT by Barbara M. Epstein

For two years Professor Robert Berry chaired the _ Test Development and Research Committee of the Law School Admissions Council on a volunteer basis. The Committee concentrated on the new LSAT, given for t he first time in June, 1982. ·The following is a brief history of the infamous, necessary evil, the LSAT.

From 1947 to 1980 the Educational Testing Service (ETS) essentially cont-rolled the test, although it actually was owned by the Law School Admissions Council. The staff of ETS and outside consultants made up the test.

Under the old method, the test used a 1947 control group. A new LAST and a former one would be compared (the questions would be different, though)

on a question by question basis. On the assumption that both groups performed the same, a conclusion was drawn as to the difficulty of the new test and a scale was set accordingly. The difficulty level of each question, translated into a weighted score, was the adjusted raw score. It was this figure that was compared to the 1947 group's performance.

The new test was eight years in the making. ETS researched the project and considered such issues as cultural bias and the relevance of certain substantive areas. Three years ago -ETS decided that a general overhaul was necessary. Particular sections needed to be revamped or omitted. In addition , the disclosure requirement (of answers) in New York State made it impossible to use old tests for comparison purposes .

continued on page 5

Page 2/The Alledger

Editorial The results of the LSA's calendar poll

are in, reflecting the wishes of the first and second year classes for next year's calendar. Besides the overwhelming result, the most heartening aspect of the poll is its reflection on the proper role and function of the LSA. An issue of great concern to the student body is being decided by the faculty, and the LSA has been able with a modicum of effort to canvas the entire student body, and get an excellent response rate to a very well presented and worded poll.

The response of the Dean to the survey is also quite heartening. In a very touchy issue, with some apparent faculty opposition, the Dean has put together a compromise based on student and faculty wishes, so that fall semester exams will be ·before Christmas next year, with a short reading period, and meanwhile for future years, the Dean and the faculty will investigate other options to a traditional two semester calendar.

Where the faculty goes from here is anybody's guess, but the students can hope that they will be swayed by the overwhelming student response into biting the bullet for next year, and immediately undertaking the actions necessary for following years. The challenge for the LSA and the whole student body is first, to in some sense lobby·for the calendar we want for next year, and then to join in faculty-student committees to look at other options for the future, and eventually come up with an option that best reflects the needs and wishes of both faculty and student body. ·

A Note of Thanks

The Alledger regrets to announce that its News Editor Tim Borchers has resigned his position due to other commitments. The other members of the Alledger staff wish to thank Tim for his dedication and verbosity, and we would like to wish him the best of luck in his new undertakings, and hope that he will be able to write on an occasional basis in the future.

Vol.II. No.7

Boston College Law School 885 'Centre Street

Newton Centre. MA 02159 (617) 969..0100 (x437l)

Editcr-&D-Odef Sheryl Serreze UcmagtD.g Editor Michael Kilkelly ~ Edltcr Barbara Epstein Pboto Editor Ian Veitzer JuatnM' Ugr. . Michael Clancy Ttpllltt!DQ Sandra Cooper Production Mgr. susan Taylor cartoonist Ivy Main

Staff This Issue Susan Taylor

Ivy Main

Dan Winslow

Wilbur Edwards

Bob Pasqarella

TU AlledOef Is published every other Monday. 14 times per academic year. for and b'f the students Of loltOD CoUecr- Law School We welcome submissions and contributions from all our readers. Manuscripts. news. letters. ads. notices. etc. should reach us by 5 p.m. the Wednesday trnrnediately preceding the intended publica­tion date. Copy may be left at the Al1eclger office (M201B Stuart Hall. beneath Mr. Pepper's office) or in our mailbox across from the Deans· Offices. ··-----....----

Life at . Newton by Fred Grant, Jr.

Among sundry reflections and resolut ions provoked by the dawning of 1983 were thoughts about the good

· things we have at Boston College Law School. To have such thoughts is not to deny the existence of a pile of nuisances, and of course what strikes me as good is not always bound to strike others similarly, yet it seemed worthwhile to set out a few.

The Newton campus is extra­ordinarily physically beautiful. I think more so in the snow. We have a very old and beautiful graveyard across the street The campus is dotted with trees and bushes, flowers in season, and so many small animals as have not already caught Greyhound buses south for the winter.

Bar Review is at once a pleasure and a requisite for survival.

The staff are largely very nice and devoted people.

While a part of my soul will not be satisfied unless bathrooms get a daily steam cleaning, it is worth observing that the bathrooms are being generally kept much, much better this year.

The Law Revue show, · · When . not attempting some self­

destructive or maddening job, like harmonizing Supreme Court decisions

of the last thirty years, the faculty does quite a fine job. I am grateful for George Brown's ability to take a small joke.

And Fridays, of course.

Recommended Reading. Not all interesting legal material is published, or is published in commonly available sources. The following is to the best of my knowledge unpublished, and is copied from a typed sheet of paper. It is dated, and is reproduced verbatim. I would not have followed the author's word choice, had I written the poem.

"(Note: In Peck v. Stone, New York Law Journal, November 5, 1969, a trial judge's order precluding a lady lawyer from wearing a miniskirt in court was overturned by the appellate division.)

Tis a trial by jCJry and all through the forum

Not a gesture occurs to disturb the decorum

And then, alrat once, through a door af the back part

There enters a lady whose skirt seems to lack part.

The other girls gasp and the gentlemen smile

As well-exposed legs flutter by down the aisle

The judge, up till now all but dignity's measure

Evinces at . once his judicial displeasure.

He coughs in reproof and addresses her: "Madam,

I own that I would that my own lady had 'em,

But kneecaps displayed with substantial thigh tissue

May tend to obscure the grave matters at issue.

"Not here," says the judge. And an order he seals

The lady, a strong-bodied person appeals.

A n d t h e r e , w i t h w h a t e v·e r compunction it nurses,

The upper court promptly reviews and reverses.

The moral is plain: Bundle up at the trial.

The fogies who sit there have no sense of style.

And save all your chic, your sartorial zeal,

For those dirty old men on our courts of appeal. David D. Siegel (St. John's Law

School)"

· .. THE FIRST ANNUAL

REJECTION LETTER CONTEST

Letters will be judged in the following categories:

Calvin Coolidge Brevity Award

Lt. William Calley "Take No Prisoners" Award'

Roy L. Williams Literacy Award

< Air Florida "Let 'em Down Quick and Easy" Award

Jimmy Hoft'a "Casfin Cement" Award

The Judges will not c'onsider themselves bound

by these categories, and will make awards

appropriate to the submissions received.

CONTEST RULES:

I J All submissions must he photocopies of an actual letter:

paraphrased or hand-copied entries will not he accepted.

2) All suhmissions must he accompanied hy your name. Names

will he withheld upon rc4uest.

J) All suhmi:-.sions hccome the property of the Al!edger.

Winning entries will he printt.:d: entrie:-. will not he returned.

4) All entries must he n .. ·ct.:i\ed hy midnight M·arch 15. I 9XJ.

5) The dcci:-.ions of the Judges will he final.

January 31, 1983/Page 3

The Law and Relationships -- Friends or Enemies? In dealing with the problems and

stresses which the Law School experience generates, the tendency is frequently to focus on the student as though he or she were seeking to wrestle with them, either alone or solely in quasi-adversarial polarities with faculty, prospective employers or peer-competitors. In fact, among the more serious problems and stresses imposed on the student ~re those which relate to his or her non­adversarlal relationships-those with spouses, children, family, fiancee or any "significant others" with whom he or she is seeking to build, maintain or grow in a relationship of personal, loving intimacy. That haunting fear that in order to be a really good lawyer, perhaps one must settle for something of a hermit existence where the richness of loving and intimate sharing are either sacrificed or severely compromised . This anxiety oughtto be faced as part fo the Law School experience because the process of transformation into a legal professional begins with a total human being and has to end with one. We are human beings who need to love and be loved and we also happen to be lawyers! Not the converse and certainly not unhappy loners living on the fringes of the whole human experience.

So, in an effort to begin to face and to learn something concrete about the realities of law school's impact upon the student's personal realationships, Dr. Harvey Waxman, Ph.D., Prof. Mary Ann Glendon, and Father James Malley S.J. will offer what might be called a "Working Conference" on Saturday morning, March 5th. A "work­shop" type experience for law students and their partners, during which some beginning can be made to identify and address the types of stresses which the law school experience generates. Reassuring to participants to appreciate that the problems they are experiencing are entirely "normal" in the context; helpful also (one may hope) in the suggestions which evolve to assist the participants to grow both in their legal competence and in the depths of their personal relationships. Another goal is to develop structures, procedures or programs which may offer promise to all law students to develop professionally in a context of enriched personal relationships while at Boston College Law School. Ambitious? Yes, but as a beginning step and because of the human urgency. Nothing less than the life­long happiness of any lawyer is what is involved.

This does not seem to be an exaggeration. A couple of conversa­tions during the first days of second semester served as vivid reminders of the special stresses imposed by law school upon students in their personal relationships. How, for instance, does a first-year married student juggle the exhaustion as the semester ends, the unique anxieties of facing one's first set of law exams, the vastness and difficulty of the material to be grasped/organized, the need/desire to respond in sensitive love to one's spouse at a Holiday time and perhaps the added need/joy of responding to children who cannot put Christmas on a back-burner because of something as incomprehensible as law exams. Could the "first-year experience" not be as terrifying for the law spouse and even more threatening to children than it is to the law student? The scenario can vary to the "middle-of-the-tunnel­blahs" felt by second year students or the third year anxieties when one is faced with mounting debts, relentless study pressures, part-time work, job­hunting, and the problematic state of the economy. How can one also find the time, summon the energies and "shift gears psychologically" to be a sensitive, responding and giving person in contexts of personal love? Does the law training, even at the best of times, militate against one's capacity to sustain personal relationships by subtly changing the very personality of the law student?

Does the training have the effect of crowding the student ever more deeply into a corner where only the

cerebral/intellectual _elements of life are accorded value or even legitimacy? Do lawyers tend to flee from feeling because they do not admit of analysis and classification; is the "legal response" as an emotion often one of repression, deprecation or post­ponement? Does it seem that the law student is expected to become an adversarial, argumentative personality who listens to what another is saying merely for the purpose of disagreeing? An "analytic" rather than a receptive perosonality-trained to dominate information and personal encounters rather than respond personally to them? Does the very competitiveness of the law school context and the adversarial system bring out (almost to levels of caricature) the aggressive and self-assertive qualities of the law student with the concomitant necessity of maintaining one's defenses against any threat of personal exposure in life which is seen as an area of combat? Finally does the sheer massiveness and heavy focussing of the law and the process of "thinking like a lawyer" not have at least a temporary possibility of restricting the law student's imagination, sense of wonder, non­legal interests and general joie-de­vivre to the point where one becomes at least a bit "dull" in the non-legal context? None of these qualities (to the extent verified) would facilitate rich personal relationships.

One should not exaggerate. While all law stude(lts are exposed to such pressures and in moments of their personal lives may succumb to one or another (in company with all the rest of humanity)-there are good moments too. All law school marriages feel strains, but many recover from these with renewed strength-even with augmented reserves of wisdom and depth. We do seem to grow with adversity. But there is a wisdom and urgency to deal with the problems which impinge on the personal relationships of any dedicated lawyer. These stresses may begin in Law School, but they don't end upon graduation. They may get worse! Stress, fatigue, time pressure, competition and that special propensity of lawyers to live in the realms of "impersonal intellect" remain features of the practice of law. The "hermit solution," adopted as a temporary expedient during law school, can become a deadening "way­of-life" as the fulfillment of a rich personal life of intimate loving is postponed until: after the bar exam, after the first two years in the firm, after making partner, after getting "control" over this or that client's account, after becoming senior partner ... etc.,etc. It happens with tragic frequency. Able attornies who find themselves in mid­life lonely and "controlled" by their professional commitments. Some­times the victims of heart attack, nervous breakdowns, alcoholism, broken marriages and alienation from children. It is not necessary, but a full personal life as an attorney demands

- time, energies and commitment to one's relationships as well as to the law.

The March 5th Working Conference is offered as a resource tool for law students and their partners. The success of the venture depends upon the presence of the partners quite as much as that of _the law students. The format is COf!Ceived as one with a basic presentation by Dr. Waxman and brief commentaries by Prof: Glendon and Father Malley, to be followed by smaller working discussion groups where sharing can take place. Finally there would be a wrap-up before breaking around noon. If there were sufficient interest, an afternoon session might be contemplated for those who could participate, but the basic conference is on Saturday morning. Those who are _interested in participating, please see Father Malley (Stuart M413-X4420) or Marjorie Reyes (Dean's Office-X4343) as soon as possible so that a proper size room can be reserved and materials prepared. The expenses of this meeting will be covered by the Law School.

James B. Malley, S.J. January 26, 1983

One of the most difficult aspects of law school is the burden that it places on the law student's marriage and intimate relationships. The problems go beyond the obvious one of increased financial burden and greater demands on time-although these adjustments are very significant in themselves. Any time one member of a couple is absorbed in an intense, growth experience from which the other partner is largely excluded there is likely to be increased tension and a need for adjustment. (The issues are somewhat different for the married and the unmarried couples although stress is present for both.) Indeed, law students are not different in this way from other students in business, medicine, psychology or any of the other professions for which intense preparation and training are required.

One critical factor is that the identity of one member is changing while the identity of the partner is not. This may be the first time that they are moving in separate directions. The law student's new identity is likely to be different from what the partner has known in the past and not necessarily to the partner's liking. Furthermore, in coming to the law school, both members of the couple may be leaving old identities and perhaps severing old ties. One person assumes a ready­made niche as a first year law student. The new role for the-partner is likely to be less defined and probably less exciting and interesting. The partner feels left out while the student is benefitting from and enjoying the excitement of a new career.

In addition to the change - in identities, a problem can arise about intimacy. The law student can believe that he or she has more in common with his fellow students who are participating in the experience than from the spouse or partner who is largely on the outside. This is probably the source of many of the affairs that occur between students in the same professional school program. The partner, on the other hand, is much more isolated. While there are many people to support the student and understand the stress of being in law school, there are few people with whom the partner comes into contact on a daily basis who are in the same situation.

Obviously the question of time is crucial. Not only is the time spent together reduced, but the quality of that time also changes. When they are together, the law student may be so tired that the spouse is left dissatisfied anyway. Exhaustion takes its toll on the sex life of the couple, which in turn leads to irritability and antagonism. Even when the couple plans to reserve some time for each other, it may be spoiled by the law student's inability to stop thinking about law school. The other side of this issue is the resentment that the law student can have of the partner with the more leisurely schedule-the resentment

that comes when one emerges from the library to find one's partner with the luxury of reading the · newspaper or watching television.

The financial burden that being in law school places on most couples can also increase the tension. If one member of the couple is working to pay the bills while the other partner is going to school, the potential for resentment is high, especially when the partner is doing "drudge-work" while the spouse is proparing to enter a profession of high status. Frequently. the other will wonder when the time will come to pursue his or her own ambitions, and if the loans and debts are very great, the partner may wonder if it will ever happen. The stress of law school is much more tolerable if the coupl' believes that there is somethinQJ worthwhile at the other end of the schooling. With the tightening job market for lawyers in this area, however, people wonder increasingly for what purpose all of the sacrifice is being made. The spouses' doubts about the worth of the sacrifice are apt to be even greater than the law students'.

Dual career families are now closer to the norm than the exception, and a spouse may find him or herself turning down a position in another city in order to maintain a household near the law school. Later, when there are two careers to _ be considered, opportun­ities must be foregone, and this can lead to frustration and blaming the partner for the necessity of making the sacrifice. The increase in the number of female law students leads to other problems for couples. The planning for children, for instance, can be difficult. When is a good time to have them? During law school, having an infant can seem too difficult. At the end of law school there are debts-to be repaid and careers to be launched. Later when one is deeply immersed in a career, it seems unwise or unfair to interrupt it in order to raise the children. For the the spouse who is not pursuing the legal career, all the these considerations can seem of secondary importance.

Nevertheless, it would be false to depict law school as an experience that is destructive to all couples. Some peole talk about it as an experience which solidifies the relationship-a hurdle to be jointly negotiated. Said one husband,"! felt like the whole project was a joint effort. My part was typing her papers and bringing her coffee late at night." If the partner has a satisfying career or is simultaneously preparing for a career, the feeling of being left out is greatly alleviatied.

If the two people involved can r~cognize the inevitability and the temporary nature of the stresses produced by taw school, and if they can openly discuss their fears and resentments, then the relationship can be an important refuge for the law student while remaining viable for the partner.

Dr. Harvey S. Waxman, eh.D. January 26, 1983

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What. is an L-115?

by Dan Winslow We all make mistakes as first year

students. I'll never forget the time I mistakenly answered only one part of Professor Berney's three-part Constitutional Law mid-year exam. Neither will Professor Berney. But the most serious mistake I ever made as a first year waif was when I got lost in the basement of Stuart Hall during the first week of school; that's when I found it. Room L-115.

L-115. If you're heading from the Snack Bar to the Library, and turn left rather than right at the corner by the Bookstore, then · go about 26 paces up the hall until you come to a double set of steel gray fire doors to the Boiler Room, (I was very lost), that's where you'll find L-115. It's the door to your right. L-115 is the Student Lounge of Boston College Law School.

I have often been told that if you condense something down enough, you can get it to a very neat size. The Bible, for example, can be condensed to the single word "Love"; all of Tort Law can be condensed to "reasonable­ness"; tuition has condensed my bank account to "zero"; and Boston College Law School can be condensed to "L-115".

How, you may ask, could this motley collection of crippled tables and wounded chairs be characterized as a Student Lounge? I wondered that too, when I was lost; in fact, for a moment I was afraid that I had accidently stumbled upon B.U. Law. It was much to my relief when I found out that the

B.U. invasion hadn't expanded beyond the bounds of our Library. L-115 is ours alright. Entirely ours.

But what is it that we have? People form study groups to answer pressing concerns of the Law, so I got together with all of my friends, and the three of us formed a Committee on the Student Lounge. Then we decided to talk to somebody in charge. Charlie Pepper wasn't in, so we had to talk to Dean Huber. I felt kind of funny calling the man in the Dean's Office "Dean Huber"; I always think of "Dean" as somebody's first name, and I didn't think I knew this man well enough to call him by a first name. He kept calling me "Sonny", but I figured that calling him "Dean" might go over better than calling him "Pops".

We told Dean Huber that we need a student lounge at B.C. Law. He agreed. We told him that it is important to build a sense of community in the school. He agreed. We told him that a lounge would have to be nicely furnished and maintained in a manner befitting the Law School. He agreed. We told him that the university should make a financial commitment to reach this goal. He agreed. We asked him to get the money for us. He agreed. And the mE!dia wonders why students aren't protesting anymore?!?

We left the Dean's Office with a sense of accomplishment. We should know by March whether the Lounge will be constructed before the end of the semester . ... Now would someone kindly tell me how I can get to the Cafeteria?

· Winter came to Newton in time to greet returning law students.

Compare courses, on the merits! Register by May 1, 1983 with a

$50.00* deposit and secure the lowest ~ pric~ available for t~e best 1984-1985

Bar Rev1ew course available:

ACT NOW II These prices are VALID ONLY for

1984 and 1985 bar candidates registering before MAY 1, 1983.

MPRE course included where required.

STATE

CT. DC, FL ME, MA, NH, NJ,PA,VT,VA

Rl NY

JULY 1983 FULL

COURSE PRICE

$550

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*non- r e f u n d a b I e

1984-1985 DISCOUNTED

COURSE PRICE

$450

$420 $550

Look for the schedule of FREE REVIEW LECTURES

for First and Second Year final exams, beginning in March, 1983.

For further information, contact a campus representative or your nearest SMH office: H

195 STATE STREET /BOSTON, MA 02109 (617) 742-3900 or 1 (800) 343-9188 BAR REVIEW "l. l'. • •

Spring Show Schedule Set

Revue Readies for Auditions

by Michael Kilkelly

Star Laws: or Revenge ofthe J.D., the 1983 version of the traditional Law Revue show, has finally received its booking for Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 in the Theater Arts Center on the main campus. In an exclusive interview conducted by this intrepid reporter, co-producer Jeanne Medeiros explained that although the show was only able to get two nights, that due to the increased capacity of the Theater Arts Center over the defunct Chapel Basement theater, there will be no reduction in the number of people who will be able to view this year's show. The annual post­show alumni party will be scheduled for its customary Friday night, according to Medeiros, which should make tickets for that night disappear faster when they go on sale:

The staging of the show in the new theater will present some difficulties as well as opportunities. The time available for rehearsals, set construction, and staging will be limited. Right now, Medeiros has reserved only four nights and the whole of the Monday before the show, which is Easter Monday. She is in the midst of negotiating extra time and arrangements for constructing and storing sets. In the meantime, rehearsals will be held in a room in the basement of Putnam House, which Medeiros says is about 20 feet by 15 feet in size and, in a word, "sucks." Medeiros and co-producer Susan Hays will be needing lots of help, and would like anyone interested to contact them.

The script, meanwhile, is almost completed, and Medeiros says it is in

new Lsat continued from page l

Future tests, however, do not have to be disclosed and therefore can be used for comparison to a present test. These "future" tests are not figured into the test-taker's score: the control group is graded on fewer questions. These are the so-called "experimental" sections warned about in LSAT preparatory books and courses.

A total test population is given an exam of which, for example, only four sections out of six count. The sections are not in the same order in every exam booklet. Nor does everyone have the same experimental sections. Scores are compared to the June, 1982 group, not the 1947 group.

The former 200 to 800 scoring system is gone. Now a 10 to 50 range is used, although the percentiles have been retained . No one can get lower than a 10- like the old 200 or so. So far the highest score is 49.

Not only is there a change in the scoring system, but there are more discernible changes in other aspects of the exam. As of 1982 three out of four sections are substantively different; gone is the math section per se. The exam has six 35 minute sections and a writing sample, a long way from the six to seven hour exam of the early seventies, which included sections covering general knowledge.

The 30 minute writing sample replaces the old writing ability section. A general problem is posed; the writer is to take a position in his/her response. This section is not scored but is sent to the law schools for their use in any way they see fit. Some schools do score

Law Revue co-producer Jeanne Medeiros, searching desperately for extra rehearsal time.

good shape, and very funny. Twenty "comic geniuses" have been working since September on the script.

Auditions are being held this week, and anyone interested should get in touch with the director, Marty Leinwald, or the assistant director, Jim Lamothe. All first year students are cordially invited to try out.

treat the wr'iting sample as it does a personal essay, considering the quality of writing, not the content (ideally), and will avoid grading .

Professor Berry left his position on the Committee in June and is now chairing a committee on research assessment of learning competence for the Law School Admissions Council. "Now that I've done my best to keep people out of law school, I'll do my best to keep them out of the profession." Just joking!

them. Professo r. ' l:l,en~ ·m·illJ<~ . e .. c. ,vyi.ll. ' r r ' . t r ' r r' 'I r r r T r r

---------------- -··----------------~=----~------=

January 31, 1-983/Page 5

B.C. Law to Send Three

Teams to CoiDpetition

Frederick Douglass Moot Court ~

by Wilbur Edwards

Three teams will represent Boston College Law School at the 8th Annual Frederick L. Douglass Moot Court Regional Competition in New Haven, Conn., February 10-13. The teams, sponsored by Boston College BALSA, will compete in an inter-law school appellate moot court competition sponsored annually by the National Black American Law Student Association and co-sponsored by the National Bar Association. The top two teams in the region go to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia March 22-26. .

Frederick Douglass was a leading 19th Celiltury black leader and journal ist. The competition is named in honor of the ideals and guidance of Frederick Douglass. The goal of the competition is to · develop · the art of appellate advocacy. Boston College

has been very successful in 12ast competitions, both at the regional and national levels.

The case presented to the teams is a 1982-83 United States Supreme Court case, Akron Center for Reproductive Health, Inc. v. City of Akron. The issues arise from Akron city ordinances regulating abortions. Among the regulations that plaintiff challenges are 1) provisions governing parental notice and consent for minors under 18; 2) requirements of hospitalization for all second trimester abortions; and 3) a twenty-four hour waiting period prior to an abortion.

Team members for the competition are: Sunjlee Pegram '83 and Wilbur Edwards '84; Leslie Harris '84 and DeWayne Powell, '84; and Ric Barros '84 and Robert Montserrat '84.

registration continued from page 1 '

It seems probable B.C. Law students will always be compelled to rely, to some extent, on the services of the main campus. "I doubt if there will ever be 100% clearance here" said Mr.

continue to be ironed out in Chestnut Hill. If, however, this registration goes well and becomes a permanent fixture, it will go a long way towards taking the aggravatin~ edge off what should be a

"I doubt if there will ever be 100% clearance here."

Pepper. Because, for example, Student Accounts relies heavily on Financial Aid, and because both are largely reliant on records kept on the Main Campus, financial problems will likely

si11111le administrative maneuver. The lines are sure to be long on Wednesday and Thursday, so bring a book, count your lucky stars, and thank Mr. Pepper on your way by his office.

1983 SUMMER STUDIES IN

IRELAND University College at Cork

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT SCHOOL OF LAW

SUMMER SESSION Classes Begin June 21 Classes End July 28 Final Examinations August 1,

3 and 5

COURSES Federal Income Tax Remedies Creditors Rights and Bankruptcy Irish Law and Legal Institutions Law of the European Economic

Community

For information write to: Office of Admissions, Summer in Ireland

University of Bridgeport School of Law Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601

Page 6/ALLEDGD

NOTICES

STUDENT DIRECTORY - The Phi Alpha Delta Student Directory may be picked up at the PAD Office, Stuart 201 D. Hours are Thursdays, 1:00-2:00, and Fridays, 11 :00 AM- Noon. Act now before they're all gone.

MASSACHUSETTS CONVEYANCER ASSOC. NEEDS VOLUNTEERS- The Massachusetts Conveyancers Association is seeking help in analyzing proposed Massachusetts legislation. They are interested in d "3termining the proposed legislation's impact upon the conveyancing, recording and registration systems, related directly and indirectly to real estate and property law. Here's an opportunity to gain greater knowledge of real estate law and to have some familiarity with the conveyancing bar. Those students who are interested should get in touch with Dean Augustyn.

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION COURSE - As announced earlier, Prof. Brigitte Stern will teach a one credit course during April The course will be International Commercial Arbitration. A more complete description of the course will be available later.

ATTENTION:

1983GRADUATES

YOU NEED 85 PASSING CREDITS IN ORDER TO GRADUATE-Mr. Pepper has your records. If you are not sure how many credits you have, please check with him. Also, please keep in mind the following information.;. - A grade of "INCOMPLETE" in a course automatically becomes an "F" if the "INCOMPLETE" is not removed or changed by the end of the following semester. - A student with an unsatisfactory grade in a course has the privilege of taking the next regular examination in the course. If this privilege is not exercised, or if the examination is failed, the original grade becomes permanent. On a re-examination, a student shall receive a grade no higher than a "C" under the regular grading system.

DIPLOMAS AND TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE WITHHELD IF YOUR FINANCIAL MATTERS ARE NOT IN ORDER The Controller's Office would like to remind the Class of '83 that their transcripts and diplomas will be withheld if: a) an outstanding balance exists on a student's tuition account; or b) an exit interview required for repayment of the student's National Direct Student Loan has not been completed. If you have any questions, or anticipate any problems, please call Joyce King at the Controller's Office at ext3393.

BOOKSTORE - Tuesday, February 1st .is absolutely the last day for returning books to the · Law School bookstore. Don't forget, you must have a receipt in order to return your books.

PHI ALPHA DELTA - Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00, Meeting for all members, Room 503. Coffee and Donuts!

FINANCIAL AID GAPSFAS Deadline- GAPSFAS forms must be returned to the Admissions Office ASAP. Don't put it off - You're already late.

GRIMES - LEXIS IS OUT -OF­BOUNDS FOR PARTICIPANTS -Please note, one of the rules of the Grimes Competition is that LEXIS may not be used.

LIBRARY - MOOT COURT/RE­SHELVING- Moot Court time is here. In order for the library staff to meet the increased shelving demands, (and in fairness to your fellow students), the library requests that all students PLEASE REMEMBER TO RESHEL VE THEIR BQOKS. It works to everyone's advantage - you know how it feels . when you can't find the book you need!

NEEDED: TRANSLATOR - Student who is fluent in Italian needed to act as translater for Italian-speaking client at the B.C. Legal Assistance Bureau. Limited time commitment. Please contact Robin Freedman at the LAB -893-4793.

REGISTRATION- will be held on this campus from 8:30 to Noon and from 1:00PM-4:00PM on February 2nd and 3rd . Confirmation of Registration will close at 4:00 ,not 4:30 as originally scheduled ..

LANAC NEWS - New Boston Chapter is forming. Special meeting featuring Congressman Barney Frank on Friday, February 4th at 1:00 PM, Boston City Hall, City Council Chamber. All are invited.

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO SNOW­In the event of a snow emergency, students, faculty and staff are advised to tune into WBZ Radio (1030 AM) or WHDH Radio (850 AM) . Announce­ments of school closings will be made between 6:30 and 8:30 in the morning. If B.C. classes are cancelled, this will include classes held at the Law School. If B.C. offices are closed, this will be announced as well.

'83 Exam Candidates CAN STILL

~ ~ -,, .. ..

. ,/"

Register by February 11. 1983 with a $50.00* deposit and receive the following discount on your July '83 course:

AMOUNT of OFF JULY '83 TOTAL DISCOUNTED STATE DISCOUNT COURSE PRICE OF COURSE PRICE

CT, DC, FL $50 ME, MA, NH $550 $500 NJ, PA,VT,VA

NY $100 $650 $550 AI $45 $495 $450

where required.

H .. Contact our office for a free Bar Exam Journal: .,· 195 STATE STREET BOSTON, MA 02109 (617) 742-3900 BAR REVIEW

... an important difference I • I J o ' I o • I f I I o I I I ~ f I f o o o 0 0 t • f I ' I o I t ' 0 I I 0 I I 1 ' I

------ -·--~-~----------------~~---

by Ivy Main

LAW SC.JlOOL'S 11-t~N ,.

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MACJtiNE:.. f II'IESf YOV"fH •..

LSA Speaker Series:

After Garrity: Wh~? . by Michael Ki/kel/y

The lawyer for the class of plaintiffs in the Boston school desegregation case discussed his views of the case and the present plans of the plaintiffs, as part of the LSA Speaker Series, held on January 21 before an audience of almost 40. Larry J. Johnson '75, of the Center for Law and Education in Cambridge, and a past president of BALSA, primarily described the "freedom of choice" desegregation plan he recently submmed to Judge W. Arthur Garrity, Jr., as · proposed final modifications of court orders before Judge Garrity removes himself from an active role in 'the case. Johnson's plan would allow black students and parents to choose which school to go to, rather than having many black students forced into schools they do not want to attend. Under the plan, black students would be allocated a percentage of seats in each school in the city, which this year would have been 50%. If this goal were not reached in any school, white students and parents (30%) and other minority students and parents (20%) would be able to take the open slots, as well as their own slots. Johnson described this plan as maximizing access to desired schools and programs for all students, by maximizing student ·choice of schools.

Johnson blames this situation on the fact that the original goals of the desegregation suit have been lost in the struggle for racial balance, and that the white citizenry is still in control of the school institutions, usihg them for their own purposes, and not the court's.

Johnson sees an obstacle to his plan in the recent decision by Judge Garrity to allow Thomas Atkins, general counsel of the NAACP's Washington office, to intervene as a second attorney for the plaintiff cjass. Johnson feels that this is a move to divide and conquer the plaintiffs; since the judge will be able to choose whichever voice he likes best at any particular moment. He also said that the NAACP national policy which supports strict racial balance in schools does not reflect the desires of the black parents and students in Boston. ·

Other aspects of Johnson's plan included redrawing the community school district lines to coincide with the new city council and school committee districts . This would provide direct ·representation and accountability of school committee members. The plan also includes returning budgeting authority to principals of schools, as another way of insuring greater parent input and control. Johnson recognized his plan would be resisted by the School

(O)n balance, more black students are without choices and access now than there were twelve years ago when the suit was .filed.

Johnson said that the original aim of the plaintiff class in 1970 was to gain access to schools and programs that were closed to black students. Instead, under current remedies, blacks are being forced into schools where they don't want to be, in order to produce racial balance and commingling of blacks and whites. The sought after right of access to schools has become a duty to go to school with whites. The remedy has not addressed the lack of equal educational opportunity for blacks, and has instead created a different kind of dual system, one of voluntary and mandatory assignments to schools. ·

Johnson feels that the fundamental wish of all students and parents is to have access to the school and program they feel is best. For the blacks in the plainti.ff class, this goal is expressed as access to schools on the same basis as whites. By implementing a freedom of choice plan, Johnson insisted that the highest number of students would be getting their choice of school. Johnson asserted that on balance, more black students are without choices and access now then there were twelve years ago when the suit was filed. More black students are enrolled in the prestigious exam high schools, but at a cost of 60-70% of black students going to, schools they don't want to QO to.

Committee and administration, since it takes power away from them and gives it to parents. He also remarked on the fact that his proposals have not been covered by the media, which he claimed does not recognize black ideas.

Johnson recognized problems with his scheme, especially since there would still need to be additional measures to equalize resources between schools.

He did not' feel that black students would flock back to recreate all black schools, since black parents feel that "white" schools are best and would send their children there. Students and parents would at least be able to take safety into account in their choice of schools, which they are not able to do now when they are forced to attend unsafe schools.

Johnson advocated as a last resort that schools which black students would not be able to attend because of violence and community hostility be closed down, since to let them remain open would perpetuate the denial of access to blacks.

Johnson concluded that the time for freedom of choice is as right now as it ever will be, given the opportunity presented by Judge Garrity and the political realities of the Boston school system.

January 31, 1983/Page 7

IN Jus-r

DNc '/aU<, LAW SC-!+OOL

$E"t'flf<RTE:S ~ E IAJH f)\ T

fRoM !HE

C.tHl FF.

SUMMER LAW STUDY .

rn Alexandria

Dublin Guadalajara

London Oxford

.,

Paris Russia- Poland

San Diego For information:

Foreign Law Programs Univ. of San Diego School of Law Alcala Park, San Diego CA 92110

1983 SUMMER SESSIONS

• • • Al\l I>

t' M (HAFF.

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT SCHOOL OF LAW

SUMMER SESSION I Classroom Courses begin May 23 Clinical Courses begin May 31 Classroom-Courses end June 30 Final Examinations July 2, 5, 7 Clinical Courses end July 22

COURSES Administrative Law Business Organizations Civil Clinic English Legal History Family Law Federal Income Tax Independent Research International Law Judicial Clerkship Labor Law Land Use Planning Law, Lan9uage and Ethics Municipal Law Products Liability Real Estate Transactions Securities Regulation Tax Clinic

SUMMER SESSION II Classroom Courses begin July 11 Classroom Courses end August 18 Final Examinations August 20, 22, 24

COURSES Computers and the Law Environmental Law Evidence Federal Courts Health Law Independent Research Judicial Clerkship Juvenile Law Legal Ethics Real Estate Transactions Sports Law Uniform Commercial Code

The School of Law is located on Long Island Sound in Southwestern Connecticut approximately ninety minutes from New York City and thirty minutes from New Haven

For Summer Session Catalog write to: Summer Session Registration University of Bridgeport School of Law 303 University Avenue Bridgeport. Connecticut 06601

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Page 8/The All~ger

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