12th Annual Looking Ahead to the Supreme Court Term Event Previews Important Cases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC, September 22, 2010 – American University Washington College of Law is proud to present the 12th Annual Looking Ahead to the Supreme Court Term event on Thursday, Sept. 30 from noon – 1:20 p.m. 

This yearly event brings together the law school’s top Supreme Court experts to preview the coming term.  This year, professors Lia Epperson and Steve Vladeck will join host Steve Wermiel, fellow in law and government, as they preview some of the important cases that will be heard by the Supreme Court this term.

The “Looking Ahead at the New Supreme Court Term” event will examine some of the interesting cases facing the justices, including newcomer Elena Kagan, when they take the bench on October 4. Among the important cases are whether the First Amendment free speech guarantee prevents a state from banning the sale of violent video games to minors and whether protests at military funerals are a form of protected free expression.

Another important case involves the power of federal courts supervising lawsuits over prison conditions to order the release of thousands of inmates.

Two other closely-watched cases involve the question of when federal law is supreme and takes precedence over state laws; in one case Arizona wants to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants by employers in that state, and the other involves the scope of a federal system to compensate victims of harm from childhood vaccinations.

The event is sponsored by the Program on Law and Government and the Law and Government Society.  Lunch will be served.  For more information go to http://www.wcl.american.edu/wcl_events/event_detail_ind.cfm?event_id=27656

# # #

American University Washington College of Law

In 1896, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the country founded by women. More than 100 years since its founding, this law school community is grounded in the values of equality, diversity, and intellectual rigor. The law school’s nationally and internationally recognized programs (in clinical legal education, trial advocacy, international law, and intellectual property to name a few) and dedicated faculty provide its 1700 JD, LL.M., and SJD students with the critical skills and values to have an immediate impact as students and as graduates, in Washington, DC and around the world. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu.