The Catholic University Law Review proudly held its Spring 2025 Symposium, titled "Traditional Judicial Power & Doctrinal Development," bringing together distinguished legal scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the relationship between judicial power and the evolution of legal doctrine. The event took place on March 28, 2025, at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.
This thought-provoking Symposium examined how traditional notions of judicial authority shape the capacity of courts to influence, moderate, or even prevent changes in legal doctrine. Panelists and speakers presented cutting-edge research, offering scholarly insights into this critical area of the law. The presentations will be published in an upcoming issue of the Catholic University Law Review.
The event began with a warm welcome from Alyssa Calcerano, Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic University Law Review. Following her introduction, Catholic Law Dean Stephen C. Payne and Professor Chad Squitieri, the journal’s faculty adviser, delivered thoughtful opening remarks, setting the stage for the Symposium’s discussions.
Event Highlights
Plenary Address:
Professor Caprice Roberts, Associate Dean of Faculty Development & Research at Louisiana State University Law Center, delivered the keynote address, "Rethinking Judicial Power and Remedial Restraint," sparking discussions on the boundaries of judicial authority.
Panel Discussions:
Two expert panels took a deep dive into judicial impacts on rights, remedies, and rules of decision, as well as perspectives on severability:
From L to R: Megan La Belle, Natalie Schmidt, and John Harrison
Panel 1: Rights, Remedies, and Rules of Decision
Moderator: Dean Megan La Belle, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Catholic Law
Panelists: Professor John Harrison (University of Virginia School of Law) and Professor Natalie Schmidt (Catholic Law)
From L to R: Derek Webb, Kevin Walsh, and Amy Moore
Panel 2: Perspectives on Severability
Moderator: Professor Derek Webb, Catholic Law
Panelists: Professor Amy Moore (Belmont University College of Law) and Professor Kevin Walsh (Catholic Law)
Lunch Discussion:
During a luncheon, attendees participated in a candid conversation on standing, severability, and preliminary injunctions. The discussion featured The Honorable Stephanos Bibas of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Professor Kevin Walsh, offering invaluable insights into these pivotal legal principles.
Closing Remarks:
Alyssa Calcerano, Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic University Law Review, concluded the event with closing remarks, thanking participants for their contributions to this rich scholarly dialogue.
The Symposium served as a platform for legal scholars to push the boundaries of understanding traditional judicial power and its role in shaping the law. It reinforced the Catholic University Law Review's commitment to fostering meaningful academic discourse on pressing legal issues.
For more information about the Symposium or the forthcoming issue of the Catholic University Law Review, please visit our website.