Environmental symposium held at Golden Gate University School of Law

06/19/07

Environmental symposium held at Golden Gate University School of Law

Golden Gate University School of Law recently organized a one-day environmental symposium to examine the implications of global warming for toxins containment at Bay Area landfills. The free, day-long symposium held on June 2 was entitled "Global Warning: Toxins @ Bay" and was sponsored by the Citizens' League for Environmental Action Now (CLEAN). The School of Law's Environmental Law and Justice Clinic cosponsored the symposium. Speakers at the symposium represented community and environmental groups, research institutions, and governmental agencies. Participants discussed whether Bay Area residents need to take "more decisive action to see that toxins are safely removed" in view of the "anticipated rising of sea levels and increased flooding triggered by global warming." The Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Clean Water Action, California Communities Against Toxics, Brisbane Baylands Community Advisory Group, and San Bruno Mountain Watch provided the symposium with additional support.

Washington and Lee University School of Law professor helps institute ban on unauthorized medical examinations
Professor Robin Fretwell Wilson of the Washington and Lee University School of Law rallied to bring about legislation banning unauthorized medical examinations of patients under anesthesia. The legislation will go into effect July 1. Wilson opposed the controversial practice followed by certain hospitals which allow medical students to perform pelvic examinations on patients already under anesthesia without their knowledge. An article she published two years ago discussed this practice. She further discussed the controversial issue with House Delegate Robert Bell. Bell subsequently introduced the legislation (House Bill 2969) to the 2007 session. Wilson appeared before the Senate Committee on Education and Health and a House subcommittee discussing the bill in January and February. The new legislation prohibits students at teaching hospitals from performing pelvic exams without prior consent. Medical professionals argued that if informed consent were required, no women would agree to undergo the procedure. Wilson, who will receive the Citizen's Lawmaker Award in July, said that instead of simply writing criticism, one should make an effort to "translate that critique into real reform in society."

Susan Feathers to head Stanford's Public Interest Law Center
Susan J. Feathers has been named executive director of the John and Terry Levin Center for Public Service and Public Interest Law at Stanford Law School, effective this July. Feathers has had 14 years of experience leading public service initiatives at law schools including Brooklyn Law School and Yale Law School. She also served as a public interest law practitioner for eight years. At present, Feathers is the assistant dean for public service at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She has been with the school since 1998, and under her guidance, 600 students have joined law-related volunteer programs every year, serving as many as 1,200 clients. As assistant dean for public service, Feathers led the law school's public interest programs, including student-led pro bono projects, a public interest scholars program, and public interest career counseling. Feathers has also co-edited two books: the Law School Guide to Public Interest Careers and A Guide to International Public Service Opportunities.


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