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The FIU Law Federalist Society just wrapped up one of its most successful years ever.

The FIU Law Federalist Society just wrapped up one of its most successful years ever. With growing membership ranks and a bright, committed group of 2Ls stepping into leadership positions, FIU Law Fed Soc is sure to continue its tradition of bringing high-caliber legal scholars and interesting academic conversations to FIU Law.

The Federalist Society is a non-partisan group of conservative and libertarian judges, attorneys, scholars, and students that seeks to promote its core principles: the rule of law, separation of governmental powers, and the preservation of freedom. FIU Law Fed Soc is committed to hosting events that feature contrasting viewpoints, giving attendees the opportunity to decide for themselves which ideas prevail.

FIU Law Fed Soc President Johanna Talcott, who graduates this month and will head out to California to work for the Pacific Legal Foundation, found the Federalist Society to be the best part of her law school experience. “Fed Soc helped me indulge what I loved the most about being in law school, the exchange of ideas. It was an added bonus that I met so many wonderful people—judges, scholars, attorneys, and students––along the way.” Talcott looks forward to staying involved with the Federalist Society as a member of the Lawyer’s Division.

On September 23, 2015, FIU Law Fed Soc hosted The Right to Work, a debate featuring Clark Neily, a principal attorney with the Institute for Justice, and Professor Jose Gabilondo of FIU Law. The speakers discussed the constitutionality of occupational licensing and whether it really benefits the public health and welfare. Over 60 people attended the lunchtime discussion, including Judge Frank Shepherd of the Third District Court of Appeals, attorneys, law clerks, and students.

A few weeks later, FIU Law Fed Soc hosted Why the Immigration System Is the Worst Part of the U.S. Government (and How to Fix It) on November 5, 2015. Cato Institute scholar Ilya Shapiro and FIU Law Professor Juan Gomez debated the failures and successes of U.S. immigration policy, including the propriety of President Obama’s recent executive actions on DACA and DAPA. This topic was of particular interest at this internationally-focused law school and the lively question and answer period had to be cut off so Mr. Shapiro could catch his flight home.

On the day the news broke of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, FIU Law Fed Soc was contacted by the Catholic Law Student Association to co-host a panel discussion about Justice Scalia and his impact on the law. At the March 11, 2016, panel discussion, Dean Alex Acosta provided opening remarks and introduced the speakers. FIU Law professors Elizabeth Price Foley, Stanley Fish, and Howard Wasserman joined Jesse Panuccio, former General Counsel to Governor Rick Scott, to discuss Justice Scalia’s originalist and textualist approach to the law, his forceful rhetorical and writing skills, and what his absence will mean for the future.

For the last event of the year, in collaboration with FIU Law’s Environmental Law Society, FIU Law Fed Soc co-hosted Becky Norton Dunlop of the Heritage Foundation and Joel A. Mintz of the Center for Progressive Reform for What’s Better for the Environment: Government Regulation, Markets and Liberty, or Some Mix of Both? The speakers debated the best ways to preserve and protect the environment.

In addition to these superb programs, FIU Law Fed Soc organized a Cakes and Constitutions bake sale to celebrate Constitution Day on September, 15, 2015. They sold Krispy Kreme doughnuts, homemade cupcakes, and pastelitos and handed out pocket Constitutions. The group plans to make the Cakes and Constitutions bake sale an annual tradition.

In late February, 2016, 10 members of FIU Law Fed Soc traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia, to attend the Federalist Society’s National Student Symposium at the University of Virginia. The topic of the conference was Poverty, Inequality, and the Law. Attendees enjoyed diverse panel discussions on a variety of topics, including family law, immigration, and education reform. The highlight of the trip was FIU Law Fed Soc’s recognition as a finalist for a “Feddie Award” for Most Improved Chapter. “Although we didn’t take home the prize, it was a huge honor to be noticed among 200 student chapters for all our hard work,” Talcott said.

FIU Law Fed Soc recently elected its 2016–2017 Executive Board: President Marcus Nielsen, Vice President Kevin Diaz, Marketing Director Danitza Morales, Secretary Claudia Herbello, and Treasurer Shannon Crosby. On April 19, 2016, the new Executive Board enjoyed coffee and conversation with Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals Judge Frank A. Shepherd. “I have so much confidence in the new board,” incoming President Nielsen said, “We are looking forward to another year full of entertaining and thought-provoking events. And our sights are set on a Feddie.”

Contact FIU Law Fed Soc at FIULawFedSoc@gmail.com. Like FIU Law Fed Soc on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fiulawfedsoc.

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