Sam Houston State University – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Pre Law Society and Public Safety

For our second meeting of the semester, Pre-Law Society had the pleasure of hearing from Sam Houston State University’s Police Department. Rather than the traditional typical guest speaker, lecture-style, format, we engaged in some fun activities that are both relevant to the legal field, but also college students, especially when it comes to alcohol, substances, and decision-making. Olivia Discon briefly introduced Sergeant Butterworth (“Butters”) and Lieutenant Zella, and Professor Mike Yawn.

Instead of jumping straight into laws and definitions, they started with something more familiar to everyone in the room: “extracurricular” college life. The kind that doesn’t go on a resume.

What made this meeting stand out was how interactive it was. Rather than talking at us, they walked us through real scenarios, ones that felt uncomfortably realistic. Two students acted out a situation at a house party: one over 21, one underage, a drink left unattended. At first, it seemed harmless. But as Butters and Zella broke it down, the legal implications became clear, showing how quickly a casual decision can turn into a charge. That theme carried throughout the night: small choices, real consequences.

One of the most impactful moments came during a scenario involving someone who had clearly had too much to drink. The question wasn’t just “what’s illegal?” it was “what do you do in case of an emergency?” Students talked through what it means to take care of someone in that situation, from recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning to physically placing someone in the correct position for safety. Our very own Brittlyn Jackson was eager to take the role of the incapacitated person, which she took on with uncanny verisimilitude!

Various people in the audience made suggestions about how to help Brittlyn, but the most helpful and obvious of choices–calling 911–was not immediately volunteered. But this is crucial, and for those worried about getting in trouble, there is a “Good Samaritan Law” to protect individuals (under specific conditions) who call in such an emergency.

The next scenario played out involved a traffic stop with the potential for DWI and DUI. Gabriel Kranz-Danet played our “drunk driver,” and we learned about the best ways to pull over safely and swiftly. Unfortunately for Gabriel, his almost immediate confession brought this scenario to a quick conclusion!

We then shifted to what would occur after a traffic stop to determine whether someone is under the influence: Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).

To best simulate the experience, various students put on goggles that distort vision, and for some, balance and coordination. As the students made their best attempts to “pass” the test, several good questions about their careers, hypotheticals, and explanations about the process occurred. It was quite fun to watch the students struggle to catch an eraser, walk in a straight line, or stand on one foot. Of course, we discourage any student from drinking and driving, but we would like to note that, based on their performances with drunk goggles, this would be particularly disastrous for Eva Killande rand La’Kia Tilley.

Another way we learned that police officers can determine impairment was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. It is the physiological phenomenon that occurs when someone is under the influence of alcohol, causing involuntary jerking of the eye as it follows the movement of objects. We simulated this sensation by spinning Victoria Reich, PLS member and employee of Student Legal and Mediation Services in an office chair. Though it was brief compared to true alcoholic impairment, we were able to see Victoria’s eyes shift quickly which was quite interesting!

Our group thoroughly enjoyed this event. Many thanks to Jayden Shoellhorn, Sergeant Butterworth, and Lieutenant Zella for joining us and for their service to the SHSU and broader Huntsville community.

The meeting then transitioned into more general business. Nataly Elizondo provided the finance update, Olivia Discon shared social media and membership updates, and Madison Cawthon presented meeting minutes. Olivia then introduced upcoming events, including the Mock LSAT (deadline to register is April 1), 10th Court of Appeals, and a Spring Social on April 22.

Overall, this meeting stood out because it didn’t just tell us what the law is but also how it plays out in real life. This meeting was a reminder to all of us that setting ourselves up for success isn’t just about future careers in law, but about the decisions we make right now.

Firearm Possession, Sexual Abuse, and Drug Possession on Tap for SHSU Courtroom

Although Huntsville residents have their share of exposure to the criminal justice system, they rarely have a chance to see an appeals court in action. That changes this Wednesday, April 1, when the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics hosts the Texas 10^th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University (Kerper Courtroom), with hearings at 10am, 11am, and 1:30pm. The cases involve possession of a firearm by a felon, charges, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of a controlled substance.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, 10th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice Tom Gray,

“The cases are interesting to the local community and students alike,” notes LEAP Ambassador Michelle Cardenas. “It’s a rare chance to see our appeals court in action, and this year’s cases are especially intriguing.”

The 10^th Court of Appeals typically meets in Waco, where they hear cases two-three times a year. But the Texas Legislature allows the appellate courts to travel to county seats within their jurisdiction. The 10^th Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction extends to some 18 counties, including Walker County, and they have travelled to SHSU every year since 2012 to hear three or, sometimes, four cases.

In addition to changing the venue, the justices also alter the courtroom procedures slightly to suit the educational setting. Attorneys for both the plaintiff and the defendant have three minutes to turn, face the audience, and provide the facts of the case. Although this component of the hearing has no impact on the justices’ decision, it is designed to allow those in attendance to better follow the legal arguments that will be put forth.

This year’s cases involve diverse issues and will take place at the times listed below:

10am: Milton Rederick Miller v. State of TX : This appeal involves possession of a firearm by a felon, with the legal issues addressing, among other things, whether barring guns from non-violent felons violates the 2^nd amendment and whether the defendant was competent to represent himself.

11am: Tacoby Davis v. State of TX: this appeal involves charges of sexual assault of a child. The legal issue involves the question of what constitutes a “public trial” and whether barring a testifying witness from the courtroom compromises that constitutional guarantee.

1:30pm: Tyrone Shepard v. State of TX—This appeal involves a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. The legal issues involve the relevance of the defendant’s previous arrest for controlled substance and his right to a speedy trial.

Unlike trial courts, which select juries and are presided over by a single judge; the 10^th Court of Appeals is presided over by a three-justice panel: Chief Justice Matt Johnson, Justice Steve Smith and Justice Lee Harris. In appeals hearings, there are no juries, no witnesses, no direct or cross-examinations, and no outcome is decided immediately at the end of the hearing. Rather, each side is given 20 minutes to argue their case, with the justices often interjecting to ask questions, challenge an interpretation, or to seek additional information.

The cases will be heard at the Kerper Courtroom in the CJ Center at Sam Houston State University. Although the courtroom rarely reaches capacity, it has occurred, and seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Local residents are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Mike Yawn at 936-294-1456 (or by email at mike.yawn@shsu.edu).

Please note there is a dress and etiquette code enforced by the court. It is:

Dress Code – All persons attending any portion of the oral argument sessions must wear proper attire. The following is a list of inappropriate attire that includes, but may not be limited to:

Shorts (includes cut-offs, running shorts, Daisy Dukes)
Tank tops; Halter tops
Caps/hats
Mini skirts; Sweat pants, leggings
T-shirts with any type of inappropriate language or picture

Weapons – Weapons of any type are NOT allowed in the room where the oral arguments are taking place.
Electronic Devices –ALL electronic devices must be either turned off or set to silent.
Recording– No photos, broadcasting or recording devices are allowed during the oral argument session.
Food and/or Drink – No food or drink is allowed during the oral argument session. This also includes tobacco products and chewing gum.
Behavior – Any person who disrupts the proceedings by talking, making noise, public display of signs, or similar conduct will be required to leave the courtroom.
Entrance and Departure – The Court strongly discourages the entering and departure of the courtroom during hearings. The bailiffs will permit entry at the top of the hour, at the beginning of hearings, and at 50 minutes past the hour.

Past as Prologue: An Evening with Jon Meacham

By Allie Plunk

Saturday, February 28th was an eventful day for LEAP students! We travelled to the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston for a book talk on Pulitzer Prize Winner Jon Meacham’s new anthology American Struggle, which explores the history of politics.

Introduced by World Affairs Council CEO Maryanne Maldonado…

…and moderated by Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley…

…Meacham discussed American political history, getting into the nitty gritty of the division of party lines with witty humor and anecdotes.

In addition to the United States’ religious roots, he explored the impact of African Americans as far back as the Civil War, such as Frederick Douglass, on the development of political ideology– more specifically, the creation of the Republican party.

Meacham had several interesting points on the distinction between an “anti-slavery” and “abolitionist” person in the 1800s. These two ideas were once very different, yet today, most Americans would consider them the same thing. This kind of trend is frequent in politics, as ideology and morality evolves. He also unpacked the lasting effect of the World Wars, Great Depression, and Cold War, describing the general idea of modern American politics as “a vigorous debate, from 1932 to 2016, between [the ideas of] FDR and Reagan.”

He also reflected on the development of factions within the two major political parties, such as the John Birchers of the 1950s. On today’s politics, he determined that while we do live in a time of political upheaval due to party extremism, this “crisis” is not unprecedented. America’s political history has been littered with events that were perhaps more destabilizing than what we experience today, such as the Great Depression, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the fight for Civil Rights in the 60s. These events shook Americans to their core. While today’s Americans may feel like they exist in a space of political turmoil, the moral and financial roots of a nation were shaken during these events. He suggested that history serves not as a roadmap, but as a diagnostic tool, helping citizens understand how democratic institutions have survived moments of extremism in the past.

Following the talk, we were surprised to see Jean Becker, whose book event we had attended at the Bush School of Government and Public Service just days earlier. After a brief conversation and a quick selfie, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves to Meacham– a memorable end to a day that brought American political history to life.

Filling Empty Bowls: A Community Tradition

By Jacob Wessels

It is a LEAP Center tradition to assist the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with their Empty Bowls fundraiser each year–and it is a tradition that dates back to 2008, when a LEAP intern initiated the project. This year, some 250 people stopped by the Wynne Home for a community lunch while raising approximately $7,000 for Meals on Wheels.

For our part, almost 20 LEAP students–under the direction of Wynne Home Program Coordinator Angela Robinson–volunteered to help ensure a positive guest experience.

This involved greeting guests as they arrived, inviting them to select a unique ceramic bowl, accepting payment, and directing them to the various food stations, which featured culinary options by HEB, Sam’s Table, Meals on Wheels, Five Loaves Deli, Huntsville High School Culinary Team, and City Hall Cafe.

It’s a great way for the community to come together in support of the arts while also fighting food insecurity. This year’s event brought together a record number of participants, and the guests seemed to linger longer, enjoying one another’s company, getting their first tour of the Wynne Home, or otherwise just enjoying the event.

For most people, Empty Bowls is a single-day event, but it actually is planned almost year-round. In the fall of each year, Angela Robinson begins scheduling bowl-making classes, which are open to the public. Residents can register for a class, learning from one of the talented instructors, which this year featured Dakota Dube, Leara Phillips, Kathy Crowell, Molly Campbell, and Lauren Clay, (and Canvas and Cork generously provided additional bowls).

After making the bowl, they return to glaze it, and then they have the option of purchasing their bowl or donating it. If donated, it becomes part of the bowls selected by “walk-up” customers on the day of Empty Bowls–and it was quite a selection this year!

The event is one of LEAP’s favorites, and our involvement is multi-faceted. We signed up to make bowls, glaze bowls, and we also volunteer monthly at the Senior Center. This year, many of us made bowls in our own registered class with Lauren Clay, and then made bowls again at the Senior Center, with the congregants. To cap things off, we volunteer at the Wynne Home on the day of Empty Bowls.

That longitudinal process allows us to see the volunteerism at multiple time points, and see the project through to its completion–from the creation of the bowls, to the glazing of the bowls, to the event itself, to the donation to Meals on Wheels–where the money is used to provide meals to seniors in the community. And it was inspiring to see so many people come together, from artists and students to local leaders and supporters, all working toward the same goal of helping others.

For those interested in more opportunities related to the Arts and/or the Wynne Home, see the Spring Classes:

Jean Becker and Tom Collamore Discuss Advance Work in ‘Don’t Tell the President’

The Bush Foundation: Jean Becker and Tom Collamore &

In a special event hosted by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore took the stage to discuss their new book, “Don’t Tell the President.” And as with all Bush Foundation events, the setting and the audience proved to be as interesting as the main attraction.

That was certainly the case this time, as we ran into Secretary Andrew Card…

…and photographer Mark Burns before even entering the auditorium! Both were generous with their time, discussing their favorite stories concerning President Bush.

Of course, they were also there to see Jean Becker, and while we may not be members of the Jean Becker Fan Club….

….we make the opportunity to see her speak.

Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance

Alice Gonzales Yates, President of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation…

…introduced the event, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when she introduced us!

The most enjoyable part of the evening, of course, was hearing from Jean Becker and Tom Collamore–and contributing authors Robbie Aiken, Jay Allison, and Greg Jenkins–discuss a blend of behind-the-scenes chaos and the concomitant responsibility that comes from preparing the nation’s most important figure for public engagements.

The engagements discussed ranged from the picayune to the momentous, from an imposter surreptitiously boarding the press plane for a presidential trip to getting just the right setting to support Solidarity in Poland with Lech Walesa and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in Germany.

This was the perfect pairing with our visit to the Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day, providing insights into some of the history we had observed while also reminding us of the importance of event planning, even in our own small events.

Adding to the fun of the evening was seeing Ms. Becker be recognized as an honorary member of the TAMU Singing Cadets, who sang “America the Beautiful” as an honor to the United States as part of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Tour: The Foundation Offices

Following the event, we approach Ms. Yates to thank her, and she graciously spent more time with us, even as she had additional work to do. During the conversation, she offered to give us a tour of their offices, tell us more about the Foundation, and let us see the “Bush Apartment.”

We had already had a wonderful day: seeing the Bush Presidential Library, hearing from Kathryn Meyers at the Bush School of Public Service, and attending the Becker and Collamore event. So, the opportunity for something on top of all that was certainly unexpected, and while we didn’t want to delay Ms. Yates from her work any further, this was an opportunity we couldn’t decline.

Ms. Yates provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, while also givinga wonderful tour of the Foundation’s space. It was a beautiful space, one that has been preserved since the President’s passing, and one that is still used for myriad purposes. It was an honor to be given the tour, and it was the perfect way to end our time at the Bush Presidential Library.

Dinner

While the tour was an ideal cap to our day at the Bush Library, we all believed that dinner would be the perfect way to end our; accordingly, we headed to Shiraz Shish Kabob. On LEAP field trips, we do our best to eat at restaurants themed with our learning opportunities, and after spending a day at the Bush Library–where the Middle East was much on display–we enjoyed diverse fare from one of our favorite College Station places.

For many, it was the first time to try Baklava or Shawarma or even Hummus, and it was met with great approval.

With full stomachs, on a high of a fantastic nine-hour learning sprint, and a renewed spirit of public service, we returned to SHSU.

Public Service Lessons from George H.W. Bush

By Isis Hollis

Public service is something LEAP students know well, but that knowledge was reinforced, expanded, and reaffirmed during a recent visit to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The Museum, with its emphasis on President Bush’s long career of service, was ready-made for the eleven students on this LEAP trip, and the subject matter and the mix of students made this one of the best LEAP field trips in recent memory.

The experience started with a tour from a lovely SHSU alumna who guided us to the museum theatre, where we got to watch a short film on the highlights of President Bush’s career.

Following the movie, we went through a chronological tour of Bush’s life, which in many ways, is a tour of the 20th century. His early life was highlighted by photos of family, including his father, a US Senator from Connecticut.

His Navy career was strikingly told through video, excerpts of letters, and a replica of the Navy TBM Avenger that he piloted in WWII–and in which he was shot down.

The letters lining the museum walls gave us a glimpse into how 20-year-old Bush dealt with such a life-changing event and who was important to him during that time of his life.

Arguably, the most important person in President Bush’s life, his wife, Barbara Bush, had many portions of the museum dedicated just to her wonderful work. Her efforts and contributions to literacy programs such as the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy are remembered through the many panels detailing just how many lives she changed with her avid community work.

The many campaigns and careers leading to President Bush’s time in office were another prominent aspect in the museum. Details about his role as Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA, an often overlooked aspect, offered a sneak peek into the intricacies of dealing with classified information.

This foreign-policy bent was reinforced by Bush’s time as Ambassador to China and Ambassador to the UN, the latter exhibit gave us a chance to pose with the man himself (or at least his statue).

The replica of the Oval Office seemed most popular, with nearly everyone taking a turn to sit where the president would, and pretending to answer the phone or read important papers.

Further into the museum, we found that President Bush’s term in office is remembered by all the good he did for the people of not only America, but for those in Kuwait, Germany, and other places across the globe as well. With pieces of the Berlin Wall standing tall over us, we felt the impact of all the work that went into tearing it down.

Sand from the land of Kuwait, alongside the war tools turned into art, left a lasting impact on us, giving us an understanding of the many points of view Bush was able to incorporate into his foreign policy vision.

Each of us took something different from the Museum. Luke, Brianne, and Michelle spent more time reviewing Bush’s military life; Mikaela, as a Model UN student, focused on the international scope of the Museum; Gavin, a history student, soaked it all in; Zackery, a political junkie, enjoyed the electoral exhibits; and all of us enjoyed learning more about the major events from 1941-1993, and beyond.

The Library reminded all of us the importance of public service–as Bush referred to it, a “Noble Service”–while also reminding us that doing good in the world requires taking risks, making sacrifices, and working hard–all good lessons.

Mexican Delights & Mediterranean Bites: Retreat Eating, Done Right

Food is comfort, culture, community, and one of the many things LEAP explores. In Houston for the weekend for a retreat, the LEAP Ambassadors and other students enjoyed some local flavors.

Cochinita & Co

Written by Isis Hollis

We kicked off our retreat’s first food experience with a very enjoyable meal from Cochinita & Co. This brick-and-mortar location blends traditional Mexican cuisine with modern dining to bring Houston delicious bites for all to enjoy!

Victoria Elizondo, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, is the owner and chef of the restaurant that started out as just a small food truck. Her experience helped her curate an undoubtedly top-quality menu for the restaurant, ranging from appetizers to desserts. To start, we enjoyed the flavorful dishes of elote (roasted corn with cheese and morita aioli), totopos (freshly made seasoned chips), and guacamole.

With the appetizers quickly gone, the main courses came out hot, fresh, and so visually appealing we could hardly resist digging in before the photos. At the suggestion of LEAP Ambassador Michelle, two of us got the signature entrée, the Cochinita Pibil. The dish consisted of pulled pork, a citrus marinade, and pickled onions, with excellent additions of side dishes of rice and beans.

Professor Yawn indulged in the breakfast chilaquiles. The crispy tortilla chips paired with the spices from the chorizo made for a tasty meal that nearly everyone at the table tasted. Avocado, fresh cheese, cilantro, and other toppings not only decorated the plate but also served as even more flavor enhancers.

After the relished meal and engaging conversations, everyone credited the great experience at Cochinita & Co set the stage for a productive day of “retreating”!

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

Written by Jacob Wessels

We also visited Phoenicia Specialty Foods in downtown Houston on the second day of our weekend retreat, and that experience also exceeded our expectations.

From the moment we entered the market, it was clear that this store had an enormous selection, making decisions on what to eat very difficult. Filled with international snacks, spices, sauces, cheeses, and deli meats that are clearly a curated selection from around the world, it’s easy to come in for one item and leave with several others, each unique and carefully chosen.

As impressive as the market is, the real highlight for our group was the hot meal bar. Phoenicia makes it easy to grab a full meal, whether you’re looking for something quick or want to sit down and enjoy your food. The options range from shawarmas to plated meals, with enough variety that you’ll likely reconsider what you planned to order.

Many of our members chose different entrees (such as shrimp pasta, salads, hummus, dolmas, and falafel)…

…but the shawarma stole the spotlight–those who chose this dish agreed on the warmth, level of seasoning, and that it was a dish packed with flavor. In fact, we each agreed our choices had unique attributes, from bold spices to satisfying textures, but all had that “made with love” feel.

Throughout the entire meal, it was clear we all genuinely enjoyed the experience. Phoenicia Specialty Foods is more than a lunch stop; it’s a downtown Houston experience. Between the global variety on the shelves and the meal options that truly deliver, it’s the kind of place that feels worth the visit. Several of us plan on returning; if you’re looking for something different, flavorful, and fun to explore, it’s a spot you should add to your list.

A Roman Holiday During a Working Retreat

Written by Robin Houghton

One part of LEAP’s mission is to expand cultural horizons, and this includes exposing students to classic films. Thus it was on the Sunday of our retreat in Houston, we attended a showing of “Roman Holiday” at the historic River Oaks Theatre.

Directed by William Wyler, “Roman Holiday” tells the story of Princess Anne (Audrey Hepburn), who, overwhelmed by the tedium and responsibilities of her title, escapes the embassy for a night in Rome. She stumbles across reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who, upon learning her identity, realizes he has a chance at a scoop of a lifetime.

Of the seven students attending, five of us had never seen the film, and it was a treat to find it witty, charming, and romantic, with Audrey Hepburn stealing the show.

Her on-screen chemistry with Gregory Peck was palpable, and it was a surprise to learn this was her first starring role!

Roman Holiday both subverted and helped shape the modern romcom genre. It includes the classic “meet-cute,” montages of Anne and Bradley falling for each other, and many comical and romantic touches throughout.

It does not (spoiler alert), however, include the happy ending that some viewers expect (talking to you Michelle Cardenas) from their films. Princess Anne chooses to resume her duties as a princess; Joe foregoes the story he could have sold. Both do their duty and both willingly take on the personal cost of doing so, making the ending even more romantic.

As a side-note, this was one of the first American films to shoot on location overseas. The entire film was shot in Rome, displaying iconic landmarks (including the “mouth of truth,” one of our favorite scenes) and the charm of post-war Italy.

After the film’s release, Rome transformed into a top tourist destination, in part due to the unique filmmaking choice made by William Wyler.

The ending was, in many ways, the perfect end to our retreat–a flavorful and light scoop of gelato, following a weekend of substantive progress and hearty fare. It was the treat of the retreat.

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