To round off an eventful week, we had the honor of hearing Judge Alberto Gonzales provide both inspiring and informative perspectives. Known for his distinguished career in law, government, and academia–which Olivia Discon shared with us in her introduction…
…Gonzales shared invaluable insights, drawing from his extensive experience as the 80th U.S. Attorney General, White House Counsel to President George W. Bush, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and, most recently, as the Dean of Belmont Law School.
Judge Gonzales began with a visual presentation that showcased personal photographs from his time in the White House, and President George W. Bush, as well as images from his early years.
These visuals setting the tone as powerful reminders of how far a dedicated individual can go—from humble beginnings to the highest levels of government.
But it was principles taught to him by his parents, he explained, that guided him from his humble beginnings as one of eight children born to a construction worker through the highest levels of government service. Gonzales underscored the guiding principles that shaped his path, particularly the importance of “showing up,” his father both literally and figuratively taught him, which he emphasized as a key tenet of the work ethic he hopes to instill in any student.
The presentation seamlessly transitioned into an insightful comparison of Gonzales’ two high-profile roles: White House Counsel and U.S. Attorney General. Judge Gonzales, having held both prestigious positions, offered unique perspectives on these roles that few Americans can provide.
He explained that while both positions serve the American people, they do so in vastly different ways—the White House Counsel advises the President and a select group of legal advisors, while the Attorney General leads the nation’s legal apparatus, overseeing thousands of lawyers, acting as the chief law enforcement officer, and spending a lot of time on television.
Perhaps one of Gonzales’s most memorable moments was being the “designated survivor” by President during the 2007 State of the Union Address.
Using this opportunity to explain the presidential line of succession—from Vice President to Speaker of the House and beyond—and his own astonishment at the possibility that, under catastrophic circumstances, he could have become President of the United States.
Gonzales also focused on the importance of professional networks, sharing his own journey–from serving in the Air Force to attending Rice and then Harvard Law–which led to meeting Governor George W. Bush. This connection would profoundly shape Gonzales’s career–and it is clear his appreciation for this impact remains deeply felt.
When Jacob Wessels asked Gonzales what his most difficult action as Attorney General was, the former AG mentioned the investigation of former Congressman William Jefferson, which involved a search of the Representative’s congressional office.
While law-enforcement officials argued that the search was necessary to nail down a conviction, Gonzales was concerned about long-held principles relating to the separation of powers. He authorized the search, which was challenged in court (eventually being ruled partially unconstitutional), but Congressman Jefferson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison-the longest such sentence imposed on a member of congress.
Having served many prestigious roles, Judge Gonzales distilled his philosophy into three key characteristics: integrity, vision, and discipline—qualities he emphasized as essential for success in both law and public service.
In addition to his reflections on leadership and ethics, Gonzales offered practical advice for students considering law school as Dean of Belmont Law–to which we listened attentively!
His advice was both practical and powerful: highlighting the importance of staying informed about current legal issues and honing strong writing skills—fundamental abilities for anyone pursuing a career in law and government careers. Gonzales also offered advice to students hoping to go to law school, from what to include on personal statements to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores.
Throughout the session, students were able to pose a range of thoughtful questions.
I had the chance to ask about Gonzales’s time on the TX Supreme Court, which he indicated he wasn’t sure was right for him. Gonzales had spent little time in a courtroom, and he had never been a judge before the appointment. Eventually, though, he decided that service was his calling, and this position led to his eventual appointment as White House Counsel and US Attorney General.
For SHSU students, this interactive discussion proved a great learning experience. As a thank you, LEAP ambassador Chrissy provided Judge Gonzales with a signed copy of the “The FBI Code” by former Assistant FBI Director Frank Figliuzzi. Grateful for his time and wisdom, we left the event motivated to dream big and stay committed to our paths of service and leadership!
Professor Yawn structured the discussion chronologically, guiding the panelists through the legal process from the moment a crime is committed to when it reaches a judge’s docket. To set the stage, he introduced a hypothetical scenario in which a Sam Houston student is caught drinking and driving, registering a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12, which is above the legal limit of 0.08.
The conversation began with Investigator Smithers, who explained the circumstances under which an officer could pull the student over. He noted that probable cause is required to initiate a traffic stop. If the officer administers field sobriety tests, the next steps depend on the county’s policies.
In Harris County, for example, officers must contact a district attorney, provide all relevant details, and obtain approval before filing a charge for driving while intoxicated.
As the case progresses, investigators remain actively involved. When asked about her collaboration with criminal investigators, ADA Faulkner emphasized the close working relationship between prosecutors and investigators.
Smithers elaborated, comparing the dynamic to that of a married couple. Investigators, he explained, are responsible for gathering all available evidence and ensuring no crucial details are overlooked. Their role is to present a complete case during discovery so that defendants receive a fair trial.
When asked what factors could influence a case, Faulkner stressed the importance of mitigation evidence. She explained that defense attorneys should present information that humanizes their clients, such as testimony about their family life, employment, or community involvement.
These factors, she noted, can significantly impact the district attorney’s decision on whether to offer a plea deal. Faulkner further emphasized that many ordinary individuals receive DUI charges, and understanding their personal circumstances can shape the outcome of their cases.
Judge Moorman was then asked whether he had ever defended a DUI case while practicing law and what advice he would offer a student defendant.
He responded that he would begin by looking at the student’s academic record and community involvement, as prosecutors often focus solely on the risks posed by the defendant’s actions. Highlighting positive character traits could help, but he cautioned that students must take responsibility for their actions and avoid making the situation worse by repeating their mistakes.
The discussion then turned to last-minute developments during trials. Investigator Smithers explained that unexpected evidence can surface, requiring investigators to act quickly to obtain necessary documents or verify new information.
This, he said, is why district attorney investigators must be present in court; they need to assist prosecutors in real time. He emphasized that when prosecutors are in trial, investigators are actively involved as well. Professor Yawn humorously added that he had once been told that if a prosecutor asked an investigator to procure a goat for a closing argument, the only acceptable response would be, “What color eyes should the goat have?”
During the Q&A session, many students took the opportunity to ask a question, including one about common misconceptions in the courtroom. ADA Faulkner addressed a prevalent myth about prosecutors: that they must secure a certain number of convictions to meet a quota. She clarified that her duty is to ensure justice is served, whether through dismissals, pre-trial diversions, fines, or other resolutions.
With strong student participation and insightful discussions from the panelists, the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was proud to work with the always-wonderful Doris Pratt and the SHSU Criminal Justice Department.
For those interested in similar opportunities, the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals will be visiting Sam Houston State University on April 16 in the CJ Courtroom. Cases will be heard at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
After months of compiling data, conducting interviews, and researching, Professor Yawn, Chrissy, and I finally had the opportunity to present our work at the ACJS Conference in Denver, CO. This experience was unlike anything I’d encountered before, and presenting research at an academic conference as an undergraduate was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
So, what is our research about? In short, our group is examining the implementation of police technology in home-rule cities across Texas. Contrary to common perception, innovation in cities isn’t driven by a single department, organization, or state entity. Instead, it emerges from a complex interplay of governance. Our primary focus is on Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), which rapidly scan license plates to aid in crime prevention. From a policy perspective, ALPRs are particularly interesting because they raise important questions about efficiency, privacy, and local governance.
Professor Yawn, who chaired the panel, led the presentation. As the primary researcher on this project, he has created an incredible opportunity for Chrissy and me to contribute meaningfully to the work.
While we still have a way to go before we “reach saturation” in our research, presenting at ACJS and receiving feedback from an engaged audience was invaluable.
Chrissy, who spearheaded our quantitative data collection, presented the methodology and preliminary findings. She did an excellent job of breaking down the statistical nuances and translating them into clear, digestible insights for us common folk.
Our session also featured a presentation from Tiffin University (TU), where undergraduates Zaria Moore…
…and Lauren Swartzlander…
…shared their public health study on mental health and alternative treatments.
They pursued this research voluntarily with strong mentorship support from TU faculty.
After both presentations, we engaged in a Q&A session with the audience…
…whose thoughtful questions and feedback left us excited to refine and expand our work further.
Safety, Crime, and Health in Urban Spaces
After our presentation, we attended another fascinating session on urban crime patterns and community development. One standout presentation came from Lauren Perron of Temple University, who examined agency collaboration in response to opioid use disorder.
She explored how organizational structure, leadership, and policy decisions impact the outcomes of the opioid crisis, particularly in the context of steering committees.
My favorite presentation of the session was Broken Windows in the Age of Big Data, which focused on Graffiti-Free NYC, a program led by the New York Sanitation Department. The study examined the correlation between quality-of-life indicators—such as graffiti removal and cleanliness—and crime rates.
While perceptions of crime can be subjective, this research provided compelling data-driven correlations that reinforced the impact of environmental factors on urban safety.
Chrissy’s favorite session was Policing the Opioid Crisis, which analyzed police-led deflection programs in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
This case study, conducted by Professor Sean Verano and student Niki Poutre, explored the effectiveness of these programs in helping individuals struggling with addiction and how police officers ranked the anticipated success of different approaches.
One particularly striking finding was that while deflection programs increased the odds of relapse, they did not significantly impact fatal overdoses.
This session was our favorite of the conference—not just because we could finally relax after our own presentation, but because the discussions were incredibly thought-provoking. The insights we gained from these panels will undoubtedly inform our research moving forward.
Presenting at ACJS was a milestone experience, giving us the chance to engage with experts in the field, refine our work, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of crime, policing, and policy implementation.
Dinner at Le French
by Chrissy Biello
Feeling the weight lifted off our shoulders, we headed to Le French for dinner. Founded by Senegalese-French sisters Aminata Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French is known for its combination of many worldwide influences and modern French cuisine. As semifinalists for the James Beard Best Chef in the Mountain Region in 2024, the Dia sisters have brought their culinary expertise to the forefront, making this dining experience even more exciting.
Through LEAP, my peers and I have had the unique opportunity to dine at James Beard-nominated and award-winning restaurants, and this was another highly anticipated experience for Olivia and me. Having not eaten much due to nerves, we were more than ready to indulge in what promised to be a great meal after a long day.
With little experience in French cuisine, Olivia and I found many menu items intriguing. To sample a variety of dishes, Olivia opted for the prix fixe menu. For her starter, she chose French Onion Soup, a dish she had never tried before.
When it arrived, she was thrilled with her choice. Not only did she enjoy a new experience, but she also discovered a dish she truly liked.
Professor Yawn and Stephanie ordered the escargot as their appetizer, and they were equally pleased with their selection.
For our main courses, I ordered the Saumon Fumé Savory Crepe, Olivia got the Suprême de Poulet Sauce Champagne (chicken breast with champagne sauce), Professor Yawn chose the Colorado Bass et Plantains, and Stephanie decided on the French Onion Soup.
When our meals arrived, we were all delighted with our choices. In true LEAP fashion, we made sure to sample each other’s dishes. Every selection turned out to be excellent, giving us a variety of flavors to experience.
For dessert, Olivia had the Panna Cotta, a dish featuring hibiscus, citrus, and marmalade berries. This was another first for her. Additionally, we shared a crème brûlée as a table.
It was a day full of firsts, from trying great new foods to presenting at our first academic conference. Nevertheless, we are especially grateful for the guidance of Professor Yawn and Stephanie. Their insights and encouragement, even their lighthearted stories to ease our nerves, were invaluable and something we could not have found elsewhere.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Later in the night, after doing some laundry, Olivia and I walked to The Yard Milkshake Bar for another sweet treat. I chose the Cookies and Cream Cheesecake milkshake, while Olivia went for the Cake Batter milkshake. Both were delicious and well worth the walk from our hotel.
With the stress behind us, we are excited to continue our trip, filled with fun, learning, and new experiences.
The ACJS Conference has officially begun! As we inch closer towards our presentation on Automated License Plate Reader technology (as it relates to the Criminal Justice world), the anticipation only continues to rise. This is our first time presenting on a panel at an academic conference–or any conference, for that matter! With that being said, we of course scoped out the space and enjoyed several sessions on day one.
Criminologists Converge
While hundreds of criminologists converged at the Sheraton in Denver, we split up a bit, maximizing the coverage of the conference and the sessions it offered. Collectively, we attended sessions on “Perceptions of Law Enforcement Technology,” where the standout presentation was “Support of BWCs by Type of Law Enforcement Agency,” by Dr. Mustafa Demir (John Jay);
“Rational Choice Theory and Crime: Emotions, Cognitions and Opportunity Structures,” which featured SHSU professors Timothy Barnam…
…and Shaina Herman;
…”Crime, Data, and Technology;” and the Presidential Panel: Key Strategies for Successful Academic-Practitioner Partnerships, the latter of which, we turn to next.
A Presidential Panel with the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University
The highlight of these sessions was unanimous among our group, which was the Presidential Panel from Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) College of Criminal Justice. We were, of course, incredibly biased, but it was fascinating to see the various leaders within the college along with the diverse institutes they represent.
As noted by Dean Lyons, SHSU is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader in the criminal justice field, and the College has “its finger on the pulse” of criminal justice.
Whether it be forensic science, corrections, policing, criminal justice legislation, or sociological phenomena, SHSU remains a leader, a resource, and an asset to the state of Texas. Interestingly, the nationally recognized program is the reason I chose to attend college and, by extension, to major in criminal justice.
We had the opportunity to hear from John Ray, Executive Director of LEMIT;
…William Wells, Faculty Research Director of LEMIT; Christie Haney, Assistant Director of CEMIT; Michael Aspland, Executive Director of the Institute of Homeland Security;
Ryan Randa, Associate Professor; Doug Dretke, Director for the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership;
…Erin Orrick, Associate Dean for Programs and Assessment; and Dr. Bitna Kim, President of ACJS, professor at SHSU, and former doctoral candidate at SHSU!
Among the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU’s many accolades and amenities, what stuck out was its embodiment of a concept, noted by John Ray, as “pracademics”.
The relationship between academician and practitioner, as we devolve further into niches and silos, is more important than ever. I truly respect how SHSU has gone beyond what others simplify Huntsville to be–a “prison town” – and instead aim to drive crucial research and policy that impacts the state, our country, and impressively, the entire world as it relates to criminal justice.
It was a great opening to a first experience for us, made all the more comfortable and welcoming by being among friends and mentors.
Council of State Governments National Conference- Day One!
by Michelle Moya
After what felt like the longest drive on Wednesday night, we woke bright and early to start an insightful couple of days at the CSG National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. For Olivia and me, stepping into this culturally rich state for the first time promised fresh perspectives and a new experience!
Starting off day one, we began with an engaging session with Waldo Jaquith from U.S. Digital Response, addressing one of state governments’ most pressing challenges: successful software system implementation.
His presentation structure was particularly compelling, starting with a “what not to do” story from Rhode Island (spoiler alert: it didn’t go well), followed by data statistics, and then shifting focus to actionable strategies that government officials could implement in their own jurisdictions to avoid outcomes like these.
The real takeaway? When he broke down why we need to ditch the most used Waterfall method for the Agile software integration method. We were all struck by the wealth of knowledge shared, and it ended up being Chrissy and Olivia’s favorite session of the day!
After a debriefing discussion among us all, we hurried into our next session. Next up was the issue everyone is currently buzzing about—AI in government. We had a diverse panel with three totally different perspectives: a Professor Neil Kleiman (bringing academic wisdom)…
…Michael Mattmiller, an Microsoft US Government Affairs Industry Team Lead…
…and Amy Hille Glasscock, with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers!
This session was particularly different and interesting because they weren’t feeding us that “AI is taking over” narrative. Instead, it was all about how AI can make government officials better at what they do. Coming to the end of the session, one key takeaway was the emphasis on AI improving people’s efficiency rather than replacing them. Its effectiveness is based on how well its intelligence complements our own. After insightful perspectives from the speakers, we were even able to snag a picture afterwards!
A Quick Lunch Break at Elizabeth’s
by Chrissy Biello
Following the morning conference sessions, we headed to Elizabeth’s Restaurant, an authentic New Orleans eatery. Upon arriving, Olivia noticed that many colorful signs on the walls displayed the phrase, “Be Nice or Leave!,” a popular adage in New Orleans. Stephanie explained to the group that this saying was created and illustrated by the local artist, Dr. Bob. The vibrancy of the restaurant and the matching neighborhood allowed for us to get a glimpse of New Orleans outside of the French Quarter.
When it came time to order appetizers, we got a great balance of foods that highlighted the diversity of New Orleans flavors. The options included praline bacon, Korean brussel sprouts, and fried boudin balls.
Every one of them was great; however, we all have our favorites. I especially enjoyed the praline bacon…
…and Korean brussels sprouts, as did Olivia!
After filling up on appetizers, we went on to our main courses. Olivia and I shared the chicken and sausage gumbo (which was Olivia’s first).
As Elizabeth’s is famous for their breakfast food, Michelle got the veggie scramble…
…and Professor Yawn and Stephanie had “Crabby Eggs,” including crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
For their side, they had the grits, which sparked a conservation about the famous movie, My Cousin Vinny.
And, of course, we ensured to get an order of the beignet biscuits! Served with a side of maple syrup, this dessert was filled with much nostalgia as I had it years prior on a past trip to New Orleans. Leaving Elizabeth’s, we headed back to the conference for another session!
U.S. Supreme Court Update: Implications for State Policymakers
by Michelle Moya
As a finisher, and after a fulfilling meal at Elizabeth’s, we attended our last session. This one being one I was particularly excited for, rightfully so, as it proved to be my personal favorite. Thankfully, we got there early, which allowed us to engage in meaningful dialogue with the speaker, Michael Lawlor, about our personal ambitions and the LEAP program!
Highlighting the session, it spanned various contemporary issues, from gun rights to freedom of speech and social media regulations. He spoke on cases the Supreme Court is currently deciding on and ones from last term.
We were surprised to see that many of the cases going before the Supreme Court pertained to social media practices. This goes to show the impact modern technology has had everywhere, even on government decisions! We all showed major interest in two cases dominantly, Lindke v. Freed from the 2023 term and Smith and Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos.
Ogden Museum of Art
by Olivia Discon
To continue our educational pursuits in New Orleans, we ventured on to Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum prides itself on providing a large, comprehensive collection of Southern art, which served as the perfect place for us to learn more about the city’s cultural offerings.
Before entering the museum, we were greeted with a massive James Surls sculpture! The cast bronze and stainless steel sculpture, known as Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower, was an incredible iteration of his distinguishable style.
LEAP Students with a James Surl’s art piece at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Having seen his work several times now, I am quite a fan! Surls continues to be a LEAP favorite, as a distinguished Sam Houston State University alumni and excellent Texas artist.
There was a wide variety of contemporary art exhibits. Admittedly, some of them perplexed me. The first gallery we entered featured a multimedia installation called stream or river, flight or pattern by Joan Jonas. With bird-like kites fixed to the ceiling, paintings, and a few films playing consecutively throughout the room, the group was determined to decipher its meaning.
After some perusing and ultimately admitting defeat, we read that the comprehensive work is meant to reflect our interactions with nature.
Naturally, we moved on to the next gallery.
A newfound artist we enjoyed was Benny Andrews, although the pieces we respectively enjoyed differed. Andrews had various styles and mediums in this gallery, which made for an interesting sample of his work. Chrissy liked a piece called Destiny, Destruction, and Despair…
…Professor Yawn enjoyed a 1994 Baptism Study…
…and I personally liked Keep Your Eyes on the Acrobats.
In the meantime, Michelle had made some headway through the galleries, proceeding to find what would become her favorite piece in the museum: Uptown Street by Lulu King Saxon. Michelle, who is relatively new to the art scene, learned that she takes to nature scenes–and large scenes at that!
Chrissy, on the other hand, prefers Impressionist paintings. Her favorite appeared to be Joseph Meeker’s Bayou Plaquemines; a pink-casted sunset falling over a swampy landscape.
My personal favorite, oddly enough, was a George Rodrigue painting that was not a Blue Dog variant. Instead, it was a painting called The Aioli Dinner, known as his “Cajun masterpiece”.
We then went on to Baldwin Lee’s photography exhibit, which was especially enjoyable. Lee, in the 1980’s, set off on an artistic journey to retrace the photos taken by his mentor, Walker Evans, in the 1940’s American South. Placing a focus on Black Americans as his subject matter, the photos and their strategic composition invoke the viewer to contemplate themes of poverty and hardship. We were fascinated by his experience on this expedition and impressed with his results. Many of his subjects, such as Untitled, 1983-1989, were complete strangers he approached along his journey.
Some of our favorites were Mobile, Alabama…
…New Orleans, Louisiana…
…and Waterproof, LA.
“Looking is a two-way street. Not only is the photographer looking, but the potential subject is looking too. What the subject sees carries great weight. For some reason, people would see me positively. I am not sure if it was my race, gender, physicality, dress, demeanor, or anything else. If in a day I asked twenty people permission to make photographs, nineteen would say yes.”
In all, we saw and enjoyed several new artists on this endeavor. The visit to the museum was a pleasant way to indulge in Southern contemporary art…
…and to broaden our cultural literacy.
Saffron
by Chrissy Biello
In true LEAP fashion, we opted for a dinner that would allow us to gain new experiences. Saffron, an Indian restaurant and two-time nominee for the James Beard award, proved to give us that opportunity. The chef, Arvinder Vilkhu, and his wife, Pardeep Vilkhu, opened the restaurant with the purpose of combining their Indian heritage with the New Orleans culture. As we began to peruse the menu, that was extremely evident; options included, Curried Seafood Gumbo and oysters!
For appetizers, we ordered the pickle sampler…
…Chicken Lasooni, and the garlic and chili-cheese naan.
Olivia favored the naan bread, while the Chicken Lasooni was Michelle’s main pick. As for myself, the pickler sample was my favorite; the dish included an eggplant spread, something I had never tasted before, but will confidently try again.
For our main course, Olivia and I shared the Chicken Biriyani. This dish was incredibly flavorful, containing saffron rice, crispy onions, a soft-boiled egg, and yogurt on the side!
Michelle savored the Curried Seafood Gumbo, and Professor Yawn and Stephanie relished the Oyster Bed Roast!
With already full stomachs, it was a surprise that we were tempted by the dessert. To our delight, Chef Vilkhu himself served our table! This included a cake called, “It’s Not Even Your Birthday,” surely named for the multiple layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream that would make anyone believe they were partaking in a treat for a special occasion.
Further, we had the Ginger Crème Brûlée, a definite favorite among the table.
As we had the opportunity to thank Chef Vilkhu for the amazing meal, we were very honored to take a photo with him!
In all, Saffron was a great way to end the first day of our New Orleans trip, allowing us to anticipate the next days of new experiences to come!
The City Fellows Interns and LEAP Ambassadors recently stepped into the world of local law enforcement with an exclusive tour of the Huntsville Police Department, led by the warm and welcoming Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings. With this tour, we were able to experience multiple aspects of our community and get to know the dedicated officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe.
They began by sharing the department’s history, proudly showing us old uniforms, historic equipment, and awards that marked the walls. Right by the entrance, we even saw the shiny shovel used to break ground for this incredible facility in 2021!
Walking through the common area, I realized this space was more than just a building; the walls were filled with images and stories of Huntsville’s history. As I examined these photographs, I felt a stronger connection to the community, seeing the legacy left by the officers who served before.
As we entered the gym, Professor Yawn began egging some of us on to punch the punching bag. After some weak and pitiful punches…
…we were led to the locker rooms. We learned that these are not just practical spaces; they include areas for victims in need of privacy. From this, we understood that every aspect of the building was not only built in mind for the officers but also the community.
In the evidence room, we learned a surprising amount about handling and storing evidence. Senior Officer Craig explained the steps for bagging items with precision and gave us a look at the organized system of lockers and refrigeration units.
Moreover, one of the highlights was meeting Senior Lieutenant Curt Landrum. He explained that there are two types of cases that the detectives work on: property crimes and personal crimes. When asked how many cases they work on each year, he noted that it is in the thousands!
Next, we headed outside for a little action! Senior Officer Craig set up a mock traffic stop, and Emely bravely volunteered to be “pulled over.” As Senior Officer Craig went through her routine, she explained all the safety measures she takes, from positioning her vehicle carefully to approaching with full awareness.
Finally, we got to climb aboard the SWAT truck, affectionately known as the “Pitbull.”
It was an absolute thrill to be inside this armored vehicle, knowing it’s there to protect the officers in extreme situations.
Just being in that truck gave us all a feeling of respect for the risks these officers are prepared to take.
We left the Huntsville Police Department with much appreciation for the officers who serve our community. Thank you to Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings for a day filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences!
This week’s meeting was a unique one for the Pre-Law Society; the meeting was not only open to current members but also to everyone on campus! There was a reason for this unique approach–we had a unique speaker, Frank Figliuzzi, who is not only an attorney, but also an author and the former Assistant Director of the FBI.
After President Discon went through business updates for the Pre-Law Society members…
…it was time for Figliuzzi to speak. Mr. Figliuzzi wrote the national bestseller, The FBI Way: Inside the Bureau’s Code of Excellence, which he would be discussing with us!
Mr. Figliuzzi started his presentation with a quote by J. Edgar Hoover, “The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation… The efforts of all law enforcement agencies with the support and understanding of the American people.”
Next, he gave insight on his book’s origin, saying that the FBI was under attack, which made him angry and led him to write the book as a way to counter the incorrect assumptions being made. He then went in depth about what he says are the preserving values of the “FBI way,” otherwise called the “7 Cs.”
The first “C” is Code, which refers to the values and principles you stand by. The second is Conservancy, emphasizing the importance of being part of something larger than yourself. The third is Clarity, which involves clearly and honestly expressing your values.
The fourth is Consequences, meaning doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. The fifth is Compassion, which is about striving to understand others’ perspectives. The sixth is Credibility, with the reminder that “people won’t believe in your team if they don’t believe in you.” Lastly, the seventh is Consistency, which involves sticking to your code, no matter what.
He also introduced the term “undercover syndrome,” describing how officers who spend too much time undercover may begin to commit petty thefts and other crimes sloppily, with the subconscious desire to get caught by police. This act of self-sabotage is typically due to the complete subversion of morals and identity that comes along with undercover work. The FBI tries to anticipate this through providing mental health support to its agents and their families.
He finished his lecture with a word of advice to prospective law students: “start viewing yourself as a leader now.” As I looked around the room, I was sure that this advice was impactful to all.
After Mr. Figliuzzi’s presentation, the meeting continued with the cord ceremony for this semester’s graduating seniors. Making it more special, Mr. Figliuzzi corded the seniors while Ms. Loveall gave them their certificates.
These seniors included: Clay Barton, Natalie Bradford, Yajaira Gutierrez Marin, Mark Harkrider, Daniel Pierce, Emily Segovia, Mason Solomon, Grant Threatt, and Alexandra Von Heuvel. While we are sad to see the seniors graduate, we are excited to see all that they will accomplish in the future.
Following the event, Mr. Figliuzzi spent additional time signing books for the students, capping off one of our best-ever meetings with a wonderful personal touch.
The Pre-Law Society would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Frank Figliuzzi for taking the time to speak with Sam Houston students. His presentation was incredibly captivating, informative, and humorous!
While most students are pleading for extra credit at the end of the semester, LEAP students were pleading their cases, literally, in moot court. Facing off against teams that came from eleven different universities across four states to compete in the South / Texas Regional American Moot Court Association tournament held in Fort Worth, with its rich history and home of Texas A&M University’s Law School. This tournament is one of sixteen regionals across the United States that will help select the top U.S. moot court team.
LEAPsters depart SHSU for their first moot court tournament
This was the first time in seven years that SHSU fielded a team. Olivia Discon and Maggie Betancourt stepped up this fall to engage in weekly meetings, much “homework,” and a lot of learning to serve as Bearkat mooters. They also received help from Dr. Diana Brown (COBA, SHSU), Dr. Gene Roberts (SLMS, SHSU), Victoria McClendon-Leggett, Stephanie Fors, and Maddie Cawthon–the latter serving as bailiff, and a potential mooter in future years.
Day one of the contest was an all-day affair, a Saturday of three rounds. For Olivia and Maggie–team 419–this involved facing off, first, against Kathryn Dearing and Julia Daniel from the University of North Texas, one of the most active universities in the moot court universe over the past two decades, largely a result of the efforts of Dr. Kimi King. This year, King was on hand, along with Dr. Adam Whitten, both of whom served as coaches for their two UNT teams.
The SHSU team was designated as representing the petitioner, in this case a “William DeNolf,” who may, or may not, be responsible for recklessly goading a Ms. Bronner into suicide.
With the fate of DeNolf in their hands, Betancourt and Discon took turns arguing his case to two “Supreme Court Justices” (actually, law-school professors).
Tackling issue one (the 5th Amendment), Betancourt began, using her nine minutes to argue that the State violated DeNolf’s protection against self-incrimination when using biometric access to the contents of his phone.
Olivia Discon, meanwhile, argued the second issue (1st Amendment), making the case that the State violated DeNolf’s freedom of speech by criminalizing the case for suicide.
They were countered by Daniel and Dearing, who ably argued that the State was justified in their steps to access and regulate DeNolf’s speech.
Delving deep into the cases and the record, Daniel and Dearing demonstrated a strong grasp of the material, and they edged out the SHSU team, winning both ballots.
For their second round, the SHSU students faced Ethan Ellis and Amanda Parker-Chavez of Lamar University. With their first round jitters somewhat abated, the LEAP students performed better this time, winning both ballots.
The third round, then, would likely determine whether the LEAP/SHSU team would make it the “Sweet Sixteen,” a prospect that, no doubt, brought back some of those early jitters.
In this round, which featured the most aggressive of the judges and a “hot panel,” Discon and Betancourt split the ballots, finishing 3-3.
The outcome of this contest was, however, withheld until the Day-One reception and awards, hosted by TAMU Law. Following a discussion of the law-school’s many merits…
…the crowd eagerly awaited news on the leading orators and the teams moving on to day two of the competition.
The top orators were chosen first:
Ashlyn Dodson (UNT)
Quinn Kelly (UNT)
Jordan Peterson (Berea College)
Kylie Kinsella (TCU)
Dominic Mendlik (TCU)
Kaitlyn Allen (TCU)
Landon Reffitt (Benedictine)
Jeffrey Schremmer (Benedictine)
Collin England (Benedictine)
Jacob Hahn (Benedictine)
Following these congratulations, Ann Dutia read off the list of teams competing in the “playoffs,” the “Sweet Sixteen.” Reading in “no particular order,” Dutia listed team numbers…443…437…402…and, finally, after seven teams were announced, we heard “419.” The SHSU students made it to the second day of competition.
Maddie, who served as bailiff for the rounds, look bemused…
…Maggie beamed; and Olivia, in her way, looked equal parts ill and gratified.
With the results in hand and an unexpected day of competition ahead of us, we walked back to the hotel. Along the way, we ran into a reminder of Fort Worth’s rich history, statues of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the “Hole in the Wall” gang, a scene that prompted a selfie.
It also prompted a little gratitude. While we were anxious about the showdown looming the next day, at least we wouldn’t face the fate of Butch and Sundance–who were shot to death in Bolivia. It’s a small thing, we know, but it reminded us that Moot Court is a cause Worth taking, on a trip Worth making!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 