Law – Page 11 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

City Fellows Interns Pay a Visit to the Huntsville Police Department!

by Christina Biello

On Friday, the City Fellows traveled to the new Huntsville Police Department Headquarters, which opened in 2021. Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders were kind enough to escort us through the building and inform us about the typical day-to-day life of a Huntsville Police officer and everything they do in the community.

First, they showed us some of the artifacts they have in the foyer. They had incredible pieces of history, such as old polygraph machines, uniforms, and radios. It was interesting to glimpse the past and learn of the methods and technologies compared to today’s equipment.

As we started to go inside, I was amazed by how beautiful the building was; it was very open, allowing much light to shine through the glass. As we went downstairs, we were taken to the training room, where we learned that each table was equipped with WiFi. We were also surprised to discover that this room serves as the primary location for city officials during emergencies.

Next, Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders led us to the board of the active incidents. They explained how the board worked, describing that it allows each officer to track their patrol colleagues and request backup when needed. Witnessing these “behind-the-scenes” aspects of the police department was genuinely fascinating.

We were even taken to their gym, where we ran into the Assistant Chief, James Barnes. He helped give Cinthia tips as she tried to punch the punching bag. She did a great job; personally, I don’t think I would have done so well….

Senior Officer Craig then guided us through the women’s locker room. She pointed out the spacious lockers and showers designated for each female officer’s use.

Additionally, she showed us a back room filled with a resting area designed for officers with demanding schedules who couldn’t return home overnight. This experience offered a deeper perspective on officers’ sacrifices to ensure our safety. Their willingness to work extended hours and remain on-site, foregoing the comfort of home, highlights their selfless dedication to prioritizing the community’s well-being above personal convenience.

As our tour continued, we headed outside to see the SWAT tank “Pitbull.” Senior Officer Craig began to pull out the medieval-looking contraptions they use during operations, including my favorite, a battering ram labeled “knock knock.”

Each of us got a chance to hold it, and I was surprised that it weighed around 20-25 lbs. Even more surprising was when they shared that kindergarteners had also held it without trouble!

After showing us the cool gadgets, they allowed us to climb inside the Pitbull.

It was particularly thrilling for Macey and Cinthia as they ventured into the “lookout hole.” They were both shocked by how fast it ascended and how high it elevated them.

Additionally, Corporal Sanders gave Emily the run-down on starting the truck and even selecting the different sirens to play. This was eye-opening because we had been unaware of the variety of sirens officers could choose from.

Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders gave City Fellows interns a fantastic tour, offering us a peek into their daily lives and duties. I’m confident we all have a better perspective and insight into what the officers do to keep us in the community safe. We extend our sincere thanks to them both and the entire Huntsville, Texas, Police Department.

Navigating Espionage, Sacrifice, and Patriotism with the CIA’s James Olson

The LEAP Center (Law, Engagement And Politics) recently hosted an event that left attendees intrigued by tales of espionage, moral dilemmas, and the weight of keeping national secrets. The guest speaker for the afternoon was James M. Olson, a distinguished former chief of CIA counterintelligence, whose career has been a fascinating journey through the shadows of international threats.

Mr. Olson shared his story with two groups: Rotary Club of Huntsville and a large group of SHSU students.

James M. Olson is an expert on the clandestine world; Olson’s career spans more than three decades in the Central Intelligence Agency. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became the chief of CIA counterintelligence, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s secrets from foreign adversaries. His level of expertise in espionage, national security and counterintelligence is unmatched.

However, what sets James M. Olson apart is not just his professional achievements but the personal sacrifices he made to serve his country. As he shared during the events, Olson had to keep his work secret from his own family and children to ensure their safety. The burden of secrecy weighed heavily on him, presenting numerous moral dilemmas. Yet, with the support of his wife, Meredith Olson (also a CIA Agent), he navigated these challenges with resilience and dedication.

During the program, Mr. Olson recounted how he eventually revealed his secret life to his children. Contrary to his fears, they reacted with pride upon learning about their father’s role in protecting the nation. He took the time to highlight the complexities of balancing duty with family obligations.

Throughout the day, one theme resonated deeply with Mr. Olson: his unwavering passion for the United States. He spoke extensively about the honor he felt in being entrusted with some of the nation’s most important secrets. His commitment to upholding the ideals and values of the country underscored his dedication to service.

However, alongside his admiration for his country, Mr. Olson touched a more sensitive subject; those who betray their nation. He had harsh words to express his resentment toward individuals who commit treason, labeling them as the worst kind of individuals in the world.

The day with James M. Olson was truly captivating and eye opening. The topics of espionage, patriotism, and moral integrity truly make you reflect on the future of America and all the individuals who put their lives on the line for our safety. I was definitely left with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals like Mr. Olson in safeguarding the nation’s security.

Murder and Mayhem Come to SHSU–but in a good way

For 13 years, the LEAP Center has hosted the 10th Court of Appeals, allowing Sam Houston State University students and Huntsville residents to hear three appellate court cases in the courtroom of the George Beto Criminal Justice Building. The 10th Court of Appeals, out of Waco, TX, serves 18 counties in Texas including Walker County. The court, which currently consists of Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith, is able to travel and try cases in any county seat in their jurisdiction.

We had a full house for every case today and a line out the door, waiting to see if a seat would be available. In the first case this morning we were happy to have District Attorney Will Durham watch the case, checking things out in advance of his turn in the courtroom at 1:30pm.

The unique thing about the hearings held at SHSU is that the lawyer for each party is allotted three minutes to relay the facts of the case to the audience.

After those three minutes the attorneys turn to the Justices and begin their 20-minute formal arguments. The Justices can interrupt for questions at any point during the arguments and after each attorney has spoken, the appellant attorney then gets a 5-minute rebuttal to the defense.

Another special treat, at least for us, is that during these hearings, LEAP Ambassadors were asked to fill in for the Clerk, who is responsible for, among other things, asking the visitors to “All Rise” and then asking for a blessing on the court.

During the first case today, the appellant attorney’s main issue with the previous court ruling was that there was insufficient evidence to charge the appellant with manslaughter. The attorney argued that a manslaughter charge includes knowledge about the substantial risk of death, of which the appellant did not have. The attorney for The State of Texas actually brought props and photos that were used during the original trial to argue against the appellant party.

The second hearing was a real treat because President White was able to sit in on the arguments. It was the first time in 10th Court history that a University President attended at SHSU!

The second hearing broke down the importance of understanding Miranda Warnings and how language barriers can affect criminal proceedings.

After the 11 am hearing, the court was adjourned for lunch where LEAP students were able to talk with the justices, President White, and court staff. I was lucky enough to be sitting with Justice Smith and Justice Johnson, who discussed their careers as attorneys and how they fell into the position of judge, and eventually to justice.

LEAP Ambassadors also provided Justice Gray with a gift basket and a heartfelt thank you as this is his last year doing the 10th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University, his alma mater.

Court readjourned at 1:30 pm with the final hearing of the day. The court room was attended by County Clerk Leslie Woolley and Judge Tracy Sorensen. This case was really interesting as the main arguments pertained to the use of cell-phone data. In 2008 police obtained records from a man’s cellphone that linked him to a murder, but 10 years later the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must get a search warrant for that information; essentially, the question was should the data then be used in trial.

Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the cases today, especially President White. Thank you to Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith for allowing students to have this opportunity and for being so welcoming and helpful to future law students. Chief Justice Gray, we wish you well in your retirement and we want to thank you for continuously showing support for the LEAP Center and the Pre-Law Program at SHSU.

Personal Statement Workshop with Pre-Law Society

by McKenna Nonnenmann

What is a personal statement and why are they important? Personal statements are what law schools use to understand what an applicant is like in personality, determination, and in writing skill. This section on a law-school application can make an applicant stand out from the pile and become a deciding acceptance factor.

This week the Pre-Law Society wanted to help their members create a strong thesis on their personal statements by asking two questions, “Why do you want to go to law school?” and “What do you want law schools to know about you?”.

To begin, we broke off our members into groups of two to discuss their answers.

In thinking about these questions and developing their answers, the students come a little closer to a personal statement.

After our discussions, our Secretary Jessica Cuevas, and one of our Legal Studies Advisors, Ms. Jean Loveall, explained how to make your personal statement stand out.

Advice included (1) think about what influenced you to choose law as a profession; (2) don’t duplicate your resume; and (3) explain why you would fit at the law schools to which you are applying. And–have multiple people look at your statement!

Of course, workshops and regular meetings aren’t the only things the PLS does. In the next month, we’ll be doing a Mock LSAT, bringing the 10th COA to campus, and bringing guest speakers to campus.

Follow our Instagram for future events and information @prelawsocietyshsu. See you at our last meeting of the semester on April 17!

Visit Huntsville: Texas Prison Museum

Morgan Robertson

With March designated as National Criminal Justice Month, the majority of the LEAP Ambassadors studying Criminal Justice, and, well, Huntsville being Huntsville with seven state prisons; we saw it fit to visit the Texas Prison Museum for our March edition of Visit Huntsville.

Established in 1989, the non-profit (which is not affiliated with TDCJ) has served citizens and visitors by satisfying the curiosity that shrouds the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and what happens inside those red-brick walls.

Olivia, who has visited the Walls Unit twice, enjoyed describing some of her experiences as we peered over a miniature model of the penitentiary in Texas. This was but one example of displays that captivated our attention during our visit.

Michelle particularly enjoyed the “famous/Infamous” prisoners section, where we saw many familiar names, including Clyde Barrow and Fred Carrasco.

However, of the names and stories we read, she knew the most about the various plots and conspiracies regarding the murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez by Yolanda Saldívar.

The Texas Prison Museum should take pride in what they accomplish though documenting the history of TDCJ, detailing what current conditions are like as an inmate, and honoring the 36,000 employees that work for the agency across the state.

The Museum also has a wide array of items made by those incarcerated. Both the illicit and sanctioned products were shocking in terms of skill and craftsmanship.

My favorite was an entire chess set, carved entirely out of soap, with prison inmates and guards pitted against one another. Upon further inspection, the guards held batons, and coffee mugs while inmates sported homemade weapons.

The main attraction found at the Texas Prison Museum, perhaps because of morbid curiosity, is Old Sparky. From 1924 to 1964, the electric chair was the sight of 361 deaths in the state of Texas.

Preceded by hanging and succeeded by lethal injection, Old Sparky now remains decommissioned and in the Museum as a unique part of TDCJ history.

The Museum and its dedicated staff do a great job of educating the public, offering interesting and intriguing exhibits, and shining light on the rarely-seen lives of TDCJ inmates. It’s a great stop on any visit to Huntsville, TX!

DC Institutions: A Capitol, A Court, and a Library

For three pre-law students who are considering legislative internships in Austin, and who (mostly) enjoy reading, you couldn’t ask for a better afternoon than seeing the US Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the US Capitol building. All three were amazing.

Supreme Court

Cinthia Villarreal

As we walked to the Supreme Court, we absolutely marveled at the building’s architecture, which was designed by Cass Gilbert. The building greeted us with a long hallway which had panels describing the judicial branch’s history and responsibilities.

This is a great introduction for anyone who is not familiar with the functionality of the Supreme Court, since it went into detail from the Court’s jurisdiction to landmark cases that we rely on to this day.

Personally, I was able to identify various cases I have read and briefed for my Constitutional Law course with Dr. Domino. This feeling of excitement overtook me as I was able to put my studies into practice and make connections from the textbooks to real life.

The end of the entry way included a statue of the Chief Justice John Marshall, the fourth and longest serving Chief Justice of the Unites States.

Chief Justice Marshall is known for his famous decisions that established not only key legal precedents, but also precedents for how the court would operate.

The main hall intersections with another hall that held some of the former Justices’ portraits. Including, of course, well-known Justices such as William Rehnquist, William Howard Taft (the only Justice to also be a President!), and Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female to be a Justice.

At the other side of the hallway, we were greeted with the special exhibition: “The Rise of Women Attorneys and the Supreme Court.” For aspiring women attorneys like ourselves, it was truly significant to learn about the women that began this movement. Reading their stories helped us put into perspective achievements and the work they undertook to be taken seriously in the field of law. They are the reason we are able to even imagine being attorneys.

We were also able to witness the Court’s spiral staircase, which is an architectural marvel, a mysteriously self-supporting elliptical five-story staircase. Moreover, the staircase’s railing were adorned with a series of rich symbols highlighting the care that builders put into their work, the classical influences on our government, and the beauty of the building.

We exited the building with more knowledge and respect for the Judicial Branch, excitement for our future as women in law, and further admiration for the beauty of the American government.

Library of Congress

Olivia Discon

Walking through the grand halls of the Library of Congress is like stepping into a literary treasure trove. As the world’s largest library, it houses millions of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and recordings, making it a pilgrimage for scholars, researchers, and book lovers alike.

Entering the Thomas Jefferson Building, the primary building of the Library of Congress, felt like walking into a palace. The grandeur of the Great Hall, with its marble columns, ornate decorations, and stunning dome, left us completely in awe. Some of the world’s greatest minds are featured along the walls, such as Shakespeare, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Homer, and Petrarch.

One of the most fantastic sights was the Gutenberg Bible, the first printed books in the world. To see this meticulously crafted book was a profound moment.

Jefferson’s initial donation to the Library of Congress included his personal collection of over 6,000 books, which he had spent years acquiring.

This collection covered a wide range of subjects, reflecting Jefferson’s diverse interests in philosophy, science, literature, and history. Among the books were rare and valuable editions, some of which were the only copies in North America at the time. Notable works included Shakespeare’s plays, Sophocles’ tragedies, Plato’s “The Republic,” and many other classical and contemporary works. I couldn’t help but comb through the titles and geek over Jefferson’s vast collection!

The Library of Congress is not just a repository of books, it is also a beautiful exhibit space. In fact, we were able to revisit some of our previously studied Dorothea Lange in one of their exhibits on photography.

it is also a place of artistic beauty. The stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and colorful murals that adorn the walls and ceilings of the building are a testament to the contribution of art and culture to our society.

Visiting the Library of Congress is an experience like no other. It is a journey through time and space, a chance to immerse oneself in the richness of human creativity and ingenuity. This was, by far, my favorite experience of the trip thus far!

US Capitol

One of the benefits of visiting DC during Spring Break is that we don’t miss any classes. One of the drawbacks is that we are in DC at approximately the same time as 1,000,000 eighth graders. Despite this deterrent, we trudged to the US Capitol for a bit of much-needed lunch (the Cafe was much better than the one at the Holocaust Museum) and to do a short tour.

The tours are not extensive. It involves watching a well-done film that lasts about twenty minutes, followed by visits to Statuary Hall and the Rotunda. Both of these are magnificent, if crowded.

Statuary Hall has an eclectic display of statues. Each state is allowed to choose two statues to be in the Hall, and we such interesting figures as Amelia Earhart (KS), Senator Barry Goldwater (AZ), astronaut Jake Swigert (CO), Robert Fulton (PA), and, of course, Sam Houston!

At the risk of delaying the tour, we rushed to the statue and took our photo. The statue was designed by Elizabet Ney, and we’ve seen it before; it is also in the Texas Capitol.

We also had a chance to see the beautiful rotunda, which is highlighted by the “Apotheosis of Washington,” by Constantino Brumidi. It is 4,664 square feet, and it’s a good thing, because it has to be seen from about 180 feet away.

The mural took almost a year to complete, and it was completed when–like now–the nation needed a unifying figure: 1865, the end of the Civil War.

Concluding Thoughts

Our afternoon tour ended with the Capitol Building, and it is appropriate. Washington, DC is divided into quadrants, a feature of Pierre L’Enfant’s design. And in the middle of those quadrants is the people’s branch: the US Congress.

Today, with changed voting laws and immediate communications, we may take interaction with elected officials for granted. But when the government was established in 1789, US Representatives were the only federal officials elected directly by the people. Today, of course, this would also apply to the US Senate and, aside from pro forma technicalities, the President as well. So, it was an appropriate place for us to end our tour. But as aspiring attorneys and newly-formed fans of architecture, it is really tough to beat the awe-inspiring majesty of the Supreme Court and the beauty of the Library of Congress.

Exploring the Nation’s Capital: A Day in DC

It was, for all of us (students), our first time in Washington, DC. So, despite the rain, wind, and cold, it was an exciting morning, promising adventure and wonder.

That sense was deepened on our very first stop of the morning: the White House. We did not know it, but our brief stop on Saturday morning was a foreshadowing of things to come!

And as we made our way to the Holocaust Museum, which would be our first official stop of the morning, we also passed the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where we saw one of our favorites: Luis Jimenez!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

by Michelle Cardenas

As we continued our journey through Washington DC, we made a stop at one of the most significant historical institutions, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Of all of the historic landmarks, the Holocaust Museum stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity and a reminder of some of the darkest chapters of human history.

As soon as you step foot in the museum the solemn atmosphere instantly engulfs you. The building itself is designed to make you feel like you’re a part of the industrial 1930s, everything from the elevators to the layout of the museum transports you to the times of World War 2 and Nazi Germany.

The museum is displayed in chronological order, effectively tying in personal stories of survivors, artifacts, and video presentations. The different kinds of media provided a new, deeply moving understanding of the Holocaust. The museum began with information about Adolf Hitler and the formation of his ideology and vendetta against Jews…

…moving swiftly into the discrimination Jews faced during 1933 due to their patriotism. Jews were being singled out since the beginning of the German regime and by 1939 most of them had already been prosecuted and taken to concentration camps where they would be either killed or worked to death.

There were many interesting and sobering artifacts on display at the museum. One that particularly caught my attention was the train cart where Jews were stuffed in and transported to concentration camps and gas chambers. It is one thing to read about these atrocious events but it’s completely different to see the items in real life and grasp the full concept of how awful this genocide was.

As we made our way through the museum we found something new that we had never really heard of. The Night of Glass was repeated throughout the museum and it referred to the day that Nazis burned down and destroyed all of the Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues that remained. On a display, they had rolls and half-burned remainders of the Torah that had survived the Night of Glass. Along with this was a door frame that belonged to a Jewish synagogue; the frame was cut up and the Nazis made sure to carve out any writing that was on them. This was incredibly interesting and peculiar to see because you could sense the feeling of hatred the Nazis had towards these people, that they went to the extent of destroying something so holy and pure to them.

The museum concluded with America’s response to the genocide and killings of all the Jews. In this part, there were many exhibits of all of the findings and evidence that these concentration camps were indeed real. There were piles of hair, dentures, jewelry, and other personal belongings that were stripped away from Jews.

Interestingly, art by Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra, Joel Shapiro, and Sol LeWitt is incorporated into the museum, adding to the sense of the sublime, while also suggesting a sense of hope. And this was made more vivid by the fact that the Jewish prisoners also sensed this, often creating art in the form of paintings, sketches, literature, or poetry as a way to alleviate or express the horrors of their experiences.

One of the more interesting finds for us was the photography of Roman Vishniac, who captured many scenes of Jewish culture from before the Holocaust. Because photography is a theme of sorts of this trip, this was particularly captivating for us.

It was very sad to see how much the Jewish community lost and the pain they suffered through. But this also underscored the importance of museums such as these, highlighting past atrocities and, we hope, making them less likely in the future.

Indeed, Dwight Eisenhower–whose forces liberated Europe–seemed to suggest this when he ordered his troops to film the horrors of the concentration camps, so that the tragedy would be preserved in history.

Union Station

by Cinthia Villarreal

After walking through Washington D.C.’s beautiful streets and admiring its impressive collection of art, we headed into Union Station D.C. Before going inside the building, we were able to marvel at the striking architectural design of the building. The towering columns and the Roman-inspired arches gave the station an intimidating yet alluring character. Nonetheless, when we walked inside the building, we became completely speechless.

Washington’s Union Station, which was opened in 1907, is a restored train station and shopping center and during its most thriving moments, it would transport up to 42,000 passengers daily. Even though it deteriorated over time because of high usage and low budget, the awe-striking creation by the architect Daniel Burnham was designated an historical landmark in 1969. Several rehabilitation programs throughout the years have worked on the station in order to keep attracting both alike tourists and locals.

The ceiling, which is what captured most of our attention, has been recently renewed and beautified. The contrast of the white and the 23-karat gold leaf of the design is extremely intricate. From the second floor, life-size statues overlooked the lobby we were standing in and the windows throughout the building truly amplified the space, even though not necessary.

After walking around the station and seeing the variety of stores they had, we settled down to have a great dinner to finish our eventful first night at the national capital.

PLS Meeting: Spring 2024 Kickoff

Pre-Law Society

McKenna Nonnenmann

Although the PLS has been involved in several informal events this spring, our first official meeting was February 21. And what a meeting! We had the honor of hosting two past Pre-Law Society presidents: Victoria McClendon, a first-year attorney; and Quinn Kobrin. a third-year law student at the University of New Hampshire. We also had the pleasure of having Blake Roach, an Associate Legislature Director at the Texas Farm Bureau, back on campus.

Our meeting started off well, as we learned that we had 96 members, our highest-ever membership total!

The meeting continued on this note, as McClendon and Kobrin offered great advice on what law school is like. “It hits everyone like a brick wall,” noted Kobrin. Noting that undergraduate classes at SHSU are nothing like law school, McClendon and Kobrin suggested going out of our way to take challenging courses that teach us to think critically, read a lot, and to write.

Blake Roach also offered much-valued advice. He described his time as an advance-man for Greg Abbott, teaching him skills in preparation, event planning, research, flexibility, and networking.

All members of the panel encouraged students to push themselves, to get out of their comfort zones so that they can navigate more comfortably in the professional world. Going to professional events, taking on internships, working professional jobs, surrounding yourself with other professional students all work to make you more successful in the long run.

The meeting ended on a high note. After several years of fundraising–including work done by our past Presidents (including, of course, Victoria McClendon and Quinn Kobrin), we were able to donate $25,000 to SHSU to endow a scholarship. We closed the meeting with a “check presentation.”

Thanks to all our great panelists, and to all those who joined (or rejoined) PLS this semester. For future events or information, visit our Instagram @prelawshsu or email President Olivia Discon: ojd004@shsu.edu.

Our next meeting is March 20 at 6pm!

As a special note, we’d also like to thank all of our PLS Presidents who have helped us achieve this endowment: Megan Chapa (our first PLS President), Kaitlyn Tyra, Victoria McClendon, Quinn Kobrin, Heather Noman, Yvette Mendoza, Jade Miller, and Olivia Discon.

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