Spring Break
DANIEL ORTNER: "Epic trial" alienates and truly disappoints
by Daniel Ortner
Columnists | 10/9/07
Posted online at 9:46 PM EST on 10/8/07
/ Last updated at 7:17 PM EST on 10/8/07
Several other things about this trial were revealing. It was troubling indeed to see that Student Union President Shreeya Sinha '09 wasn't in attendance. Her absence can only reinforce rumors of the high level of politization in this censure and trial. When a Union officer, a member of her Executive Board no less, is on trial, Sinha should be the first to arrive. Whatever her personal feeling for Goldman, Sinha's absence spoke volumes. Just as I was appalled by University President Reinharz's absence at the Jimmy Carter event last fall, I felt betrayed by our student-elected leader. If there is a retrial, as now seems likely, I hope she will attend.
Other distinctly disturbing features of the trial included the heavy involvement of alumni. While former students often tend to be a part of campus life years after they graduate, it was quite alarming to see them play a greater role in this trial than current students. Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer was absolutely correct in pushing for a reduction of alumni involvement in the trial. As important as UJ cases are, they also in some ways serve for legal and judicial training for current students. Many Justices aspire to attend law school. Having former students and current law school students working to file briefs will ensure a more powerful case, but won't assist our students in any profound manner. Their involvement pushed this case further from the view of current students.
Watching my first UJ trial, I was also quite disturbed by how unapproachable the UJ proceedings are for students not involved heavily in Mock Trial or other speech-related clubs and programs. Simply put, Kerns was unable to get in most of his questions or evidence because of the exceptional legal skill of his defense counsel, Senator for the Charles River Apartments Rachel Graham Kagan '09. Just as with the process itself, a lot more can and should be done to make the trial itself more accessible to students without a legal background.
Other distinctly disturbing features of the trial included the heavy involvement of alumni. While former students often tend to be a part of campus life years after they graduate, it was quite alarming to see them play a greater role in this trial than current students. Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer was absolutely correct in pushing for a reduction of alumni involvement in the trial. As important as UJ cases are, they also in some ways serve for legal and judicial training for current students. Many Justices aspire to attend law school. Having former students and current law school students working to file briefs will ensure a more powerful case, but won't assist our students in any profound manner. Their involvement pushed this case further from the view of current students.
Watching my first UJ trial, I was also quite disturbed by how unapproachable the UJ proceedings are for students not involved heavily in Mock Trial or other speech-related clubs and programs. Simply put, Kerns was unable to get in most of his questions or evidence because of the exceptional legal skill of his defense counsel, Senator for the Charles River Apartments Rachel Graham Kagan '09. Just as with the process itself, a lot more can and should be done to make the trial itself more accessible to students without a legal background.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Michael Kerns
posted 10/09/07 @ 11:39 AM EST
Dear Daniel,
I really appreciate you strong and honest comments on this issue. I really don't take issue with anything you've said, including your criticism of me. (Continued…)
blah blah blah
posted 10/09/07 @ 3:01 PM EST
Jesus christ man. Blah blah blah blah..... I'm really crying now that you and Rivka are friends... what a great story
Jamie Ansorge
posted 10/09/07 @ 4:39 PM EST
Dear Daniel and Readers,
I would just like to say the following:
I was not present at the "debate watch" mentioned in this article. Also, it is my understanding that Democracy for America was not an official sponsor of any kind. (Continued…)
Adam Schwartzbaum
posted 10/15/07 @ 9:27 PM EST
Daniel,
As a Brandeis Alum, I have only the vaguest notion of what this trial is all about, so I can't really speak to most of the issues you raise in this article. (Continued…)
Post a Comment