Previous Symposium Events
2024
Friday, February 2
Law Surrounding the COVID Era: The Effects of the Pandemic on Policies and Practices (Click here to learn more.)
2023
Underinvested and Overburdened: Ensuring Environmental Equality for Historically Disadvantaged Communities
On February 10, 2023, the Catholic University Law Review held it's 2023 Symposium, "Underinvested and Overburdened: Ensuring Environmental Equality for Historically Disadvantaged Communities," in the Walter A. Slowinski courtroom at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law) in Washington, D.C. This year's symposium featured prominent academics, policy advocates, and individuals working and living within communities impacted by various environmental hazards. The speakers discussed environmental equality from a legal standpoint and what we as legal practitioners can do to reduce the disproportionate environmental burden on marginalized and disadvantaged groups domestically and globally. Continue reading here.
2022
The Current State of Child Welfare: How Decreasing Child Poverty Can Aid in Meaningful Reform Thereof
On February 11, 2022, Catholic University Law Review hosted its annual symposium. The virtual program, “The Current State of Child Welfare: How Decreasing Child Poverty Can Aid in Meaningful Reform Thereof,” was organized by the Law Review's Lead Articles Editors, Patricia Drennan (3L), and Sarah Manning (3L), and featured distinguished policymakers, legal scholars, and child advocacy group representatives who discussed and reflected on what can be done to reduce instances of child poverty, improve the current state of the welfare system, and introduce policy proposals adequately addressing the needs of children and families. Each of the speakers shared their professional insights on poverty and the child welfare system, as well as provided meaningful reform ideas that would serve to reduce both poverty and adverse welfare system experiences.
Continue reading here.
2021
Assessing Graham v. Florida at the Ten-Year Mark: Progress and the Prospects for Ongoing Juvenile Sentencing Reform
On February 5, 2021, Catholic University Law Review hosted its annual symposium—held virtually this year. The program, “Assessing Graham v. Florida at the Ten-Year Mark,” was organized by Law Review's Lead Articles Editors, Christina Pashaj (3L), and Richard Couch (3L), with the guidance of Professor Cara Drinan, and brought together distinguished speakers to discuss and reflect on the effects of the case ten years after its decision. Continue reading here.
2020
Against All Enemies, Foreign and Domestic: The State of Military Justice in 2020
The Law Review invited distinguished speakers to discuss the history of the military justice system, the rights of the accused, and sexual assault victims in the military.
The event opened with introductory remarks from Kara Marie Urban (3L), Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic University Law Review, Vol. 69. Urban was followed by Dean Stephen C. Payne who introduced The Honorable Scott W. Stucky, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, to deliver the keynote address. Continue reading here.
2019
Celebrating the 230th Anniversary of the Judiciary Act of 1789 and Reflecting on the Challenges of Our Federal Justice System
Students, faculty, and practitioners had the opportunity to hear from experts regarding the current state of our federal judicial system and consider the major challenges the Third Branch faces in ensuring justice in the future.
The February 1 event opened with introductory remarks by McKenzie Miller (3L), Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic University Law Review Vol. 68. The program consisted of two panel discussions and a keynote speech from The Honorable Barbara J. Rothstein, United States District Judge and former Director of the Federal Judicial Center. Continue reading here.
2018
FISA & the 4th Amendment: A Review of the 4th Amendment Implications in Foreign & Domestic Surveillance
Students, faculty, and practitioners heard from experts about the recent developments involving FISA and its impact on national security, civil liberties, and the Fourth Amendment.
The January 26 event opened with introductory remarks by Thomas Gentry (3L), Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic University Law Review, Vol. 67, and CUA Law Professor Megan La Belle. The program consisted of two panel discussions and a keynote speech from Elizabeth (Liza) Goitein.
Goitein, who co-directs the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program at New York University School of Law, discussed the impact that FISA has had on modern society and advancements in surveillance techniques. Continue reading here.