Law in 10

Beginning this week officials from around the world gather in Cancun, Mexico for the 16th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. Their task: to map out a climate change strategy that extends beyond the landmark Kyoto Protocol - which sunsets in 2012 - and helps developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among those traveling to Cancun for the conference is Richard Finkmoore, professor of environmental law at California Western and author of the recent book Environmental Law and the Values of Nature. He offers his thoughts - and hopes - about the two-week talks.Download Standard Podcasts

In response to a series of high-profile incidents, U.S. schools have stepped up their anti-bullying efforts. But are they doing enough to protect students from harassment and intimidation? Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice warned school districts that certain kinds of bullying can violate federal anti-discrimination law, requiring a higher level of response and imposing a greater degree of legal responsibility. California Western professor Robert DeKoven is an expert in education and civil rights law, and offers his views on the legal implications of school bullying.Download Standard Podcasts

This month, the U.S. Supreme Court began its new term with a new justice and a new slate of cases. Among the first to be heard was one of the most high profile cases, pitting the father of a slain Marine against a controversial church in a battle over the constitutionality of offensive speech. Constitutional law professor and frequent Supreme Court commentator Glenn Smith talks about the case and how the First Amendment can limit the right of access to the courts.Download Standard Podcasts

This month marks the 9th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the date of the worst terror attack on domestic soil in U.S. history. The national and international implications of that tragic event continue to play today out at Ground Zero, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in U.S. courtrooms. Just this month, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals threw out a case filed on behalf of five foreign detainees who claim to have been tortured under the so-called "extraordinary rendition" program launched by the U.S. government in the wake of September 11. The suit targeted a California subsidiary of the Boeing Company which served as the aviation services provider for the CIA and operated the plane which carried the detainees overseas, where they claim to have been tortured. In this episode of Law in 10, California Western Associate Dean William Aceves talks about the case and what it says about justice, transparency, and the U.S. system of checks and balances.Download Standard Podcast

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, the transition back to school, and offers a chance to relax and reflect on the contributions of American workers through the ages. Elected officials traditionally appear at parades and community events in their districts, especially in years when Labor Day precedes Election Day. But how much have today's elected officials done to protect and support workers? In this special Labor Day issue of Law in 10, Professor Ruben Garcia explores current labor and employment issues. Garcia directs the Concentration in Labor and Employment Law at California Western.Download Standard Podcasts