Author: Maryanne Daly Doran

Get Ready for 1L Year!

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It’s August and 1L year at UConn Law is about to start!

For many of you, the law library will be considered a key part of your law school experience.  The adjoining cafe, classrooms, study rooms, IT, admissions, and of course research materials and librarians, are all housed in the library building!

There’s alot to absorb, so we figured we would start with the best resource to learn about the law library.

The Student Toolkit provides information on all aspects of the law library, from study aids, research help, course reserves and study rooms, check out this research guide to get started.

Image of landing page of research guide named Student Toolkit.
Landing page of Student Toolkit research guide

Our in-library display also features many great resources to start your 1L year, all come recommended from 2 and 3L’s who have been there, done that!

Book display featuring books about 1L year.
Book display at UConn Law Library

We look forward to greeting, and meeting you all!

New Connecticut Laws in Effect July 1

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It’s August, the bar exam is over, summer internships are winding down and the beach and back to school shopping await.  With so much activity, it’s easy to be late to the party, but it always good practice to note the new Connecticut laws that went into effect on July 1!

In fact, nearly 100 laws that the Connecticut General Assembly passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect on July 1. They cover a range of issues ranging from standards on THC products to medical debt to video surveillance requirements at absentee ballot drop boxes.

New laws include expanding state-funded medical assistance, HUSKY, by increasing the maximum age of eligibility from 12 to 15 years of age, and changing the kindergarten start age of 5 by September of the school year. Other laws include mandatory video cameras at absentee drop boxes, allowing firearm sellers access to the arrest records of potential buyers under 21, prohibiting the selling of a person’s health data without their consent, and requiring the departments of Social Services and Public Health to post a reporting tool on their websites that use a five-star system to compare nursing homes.

For a complete list of all the laws, take a look at the Connecticut General Assembly Site here.

Drones and Doping – The Court of Arbitration at the Olympic Games

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It’s August, the Bar exam is over, summer internships are wrapping up, the rest of the summer looms, what a law student/graduate to do?

The answer at UConn Law Library would obviously be to glue yourself to your favorite media outlet and follow the 2024 Olympics! (Full disclosure, sports enthusiasts abound at the Law Library. Cheering on sports such as swimming and gymnastics are popular pastimes with certain UConn Law librarians!)

Busy with celebrating athleticism and international unity, I became disillusioned when a news alert, Canada lose ‘disruptive’ appeal in ongoing Olympic soccer drone scandal shocked my inbox, discussing a drone spying incident in which a Canadian staffer was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of competition at the Paris Olympics.

In this case, the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday upheld a six-point Olympic tournament deduction issued by FIFA, the sport’s global governing body. On Wednesday, the panel of three judges at the CAS dismissed Canada’s appeal of the point deduction. (FIFA released a full report of the findings that led to its decision to punish Canada for using a drone to watch New Zealand practice ahead of their Olympic opener. digging into the FIFA site reveals this redacted statement)

This news piqued my curiosity, given that resolving these issues swiftly and impartially is paramount to maintaining the integrity of sporting competitions. How exactly do drones, doping and cheating get resolved in Olympic time?

Not knowing where to begin, I sought out one of the law librarian’s favorite research hacks – Research Guides! In this case, Georgetown had a Research Guide ridiculously on point; even its title, Olympics and International Sports Law Research Guide promised to guide the researcher towards introduction to researching the structure and legal aspects of the Olympics.

This research guide pointed me to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in particular the CAS Ad Hoc Division, which is a temporary tribunal convened for the Olympic Games. In addition, since news outlets often times do not provide the primary source, I learned where to find the decisions for further research.

Operating under specially tailored procedure rules, the Ad Hoc Division’s task is to quickly adjudicate disputes that arise during the course of the Olympics, operate around the clock during the Olympics and render decisions within 24 hours. They have jurisdiction over disputes arising from or connected to the Olympics, excluding field-of-play matters.

Ad Hoc Divisions have been organized during all Olympics ever since, being composed of 12 arbitrators (9 for the Winter Games) from different countries and profiles. The Ad Hoc Division has jurisdiction to hear any disputes arising on the occasion or in connection with the Olympics, from 10 days before the opening ceremony and up to the closing ceremony.

Armed with this knowledge, I can relax knowing that any disputes are covered from here until the Olympic torch is extinguished! Go Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky!!

Good Luck on the Bar Exam!

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The July Connecticut bar examination will be administered in-person on July 30 and 31, 2024. For more information, check here: https://ctbaradmissions.jud.ct.gov/home

For your final stages of preparation, check out these last minute tips:

Exam Day Tips, Bar Exam Toolbox

We wish our UConn Law graduates and the other test takers the best of luck on the bar exam! We know you’ve got this! Believe in yourself!

Meditation rocks

Empowering Justice: Disability Law Courses at UConn Law

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UConn Law Library’s July tribute to Disability Pride shifts to focusing on the crucial role of lawyers specializing in disability law as advocates for justice and equality.  There is a growing demand for lawyers that have specialized knowledge in the area of disability law. Disability law encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, and navigating these legal landscapes can be daunting for individuals with disabilities and their families. Lawyers that are interested in making a different in the field of disability rights and education are in high demand, thus understanding disability law in contemporary legal practice and highlight the growing demand for specialized knowledge in this area.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the field of disability rights consider enrolling in the following courses at UConn Law to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience:

Law 7416 – Disability Rights Clinic

In this clinic students will provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities in Connecticut under the supervision of Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attorneys, addressing such issues as disability discrimination in housing, employment, services and activities provided by governmental entities, and public accommodations; access to healthcare; individual rights; civil and criminal mental health law; abuse and neglect;  and special education. DRCT’s legal work includes both individual client representation and systemic-reform advocacy. Students will also participate in a weekly seminar in which they will receive training in substantive disability law as well as advocacy skills needed to represent people with disabilities. These skills include client interviewing and counseling; legal research; legal writing; civil litigation; and alternative dispute resolution. Students will also learn to incorporate principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in their legal representation of clients with disabilities, and to identify and resolve potential ethical issues that may arise in the course of representing such clients.

Law 7563 – Life Insurance, Annuities, Disability and Long Term Care Insurance

This course focuses on life insurance, annuities, and disability income insurance, which provide financial protection against risks associated with mortality and morbidity, supplementing Social Security benefits. It covers various insurance types, including whole life, term, universal life, immediate, deferred, and longevity annuities, examining issues like insurable interest, medical underwriting, privacy, and regulatory considerations under tax, ERISA, and securities laws.

Law 7905 – Special Education Law

This seminar will review the evolutionary process by which the civil right to receive a free and appropriate public education has been expanded to include people with disabilities. The class will discuss issues such as the standards used to define “disability,” physical access to schools and other buildings/grounds, appropriate classroom instruction, the provision of ancillary services in the least restrictive environment, and topics such as discipline and safety in the special education setting. The readings and discussions will include cases involving special education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Every Student Succeeds Act, pending legislation, and a review of the international perspective toward special education and related services.

These courses offered through UConn Law are the first step in becoming advocates for justice and equality for all.

 

Celebrating Disability Pride: UConn Law Library Display

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In honor of Disability Pride Month,  UConn Law Library wishes to celebrate the achievements, contributions and diversity within the disability community.  The UConn Law library features a Disability Pride Display adjacent to the circulation desk that features issues related to disabilities in the context of the law.

Image of bookshelf containing selected books related to disability law.
Disability Pride Display at UConn Law Library.

UConn Law Library’s  Accessibility, Neurodiversity and Ableism collection contains works that consider issues related to disabilities in the context of the law, education, and other institutions, including neurodiversity and accessibility.  This collection curates both online and print items, this print display also features resources that consider the multitude of issues related to disabilities and our society.

Image of low bookshelves with selected books related to disability law.
Disability Pride Display – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Justice (DEIAJ) book collection at UConn Law Library.

Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the need for continued advocacy.  The Disability Pride book display hopes to promote awareness while celebrating achievements, and advocating for policy change.  All display items are available for checkout to UConn Law students, faculty and staff.  Hope to see you all stop by!!

Disability Pride Month: Recognizing Progress and Advocacy

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Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July, the month of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July, 1990, a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

The ADA stands as a cornerstone of legal protection for people with disabilities in the United States. It mandates equal opportunities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Over the years, amendments and legal precedents have strengthened its provisions, ensuring greater accessibility and accommodation. Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Issues such as accessibility barriers, employment discrimination, and healthcare disparities continue to affect the disabled community. Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of these ongoing struggles while highlighting the resilience and achievements of disabled individuals in overcoming them.

This month, the American Bar Association’s Commission on Disability Rights invites you to take part in the #BeCounted campaign. The #BeCounted campaign encourages lawyers with disabilities across the country to add themselves to the ABA’s U.S. map. Participation in this campaign is important because according to the Commission on Disability Rights:

Why? According to the 2021 ABA Model Diversity Survey, “[a]ttorneys with a disability are generally underreported and/or underrepresented at every level and are significantly more likely to work in the “Other Attorney” role compared to all other groups within law firms.” Also, “[f]or the most recent year, most law firms did not hire a single attorney [who] self-identified as . . . having a disability.” Furthermore, according to a 2023 report from the National Association of Law Placement (NALP), only 1.4% of law firm lawyers surveyed self-identified as having a disability. We (and NALP) believe there are more, given that one in four adults in the United States have a disability.

The American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights contains a multitude of resources to promote the the ABA’s commitment to “justice and the rule of law for people with mental, physical and sensory disabilities, and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession.”

UConn Law Library features a Disability Pride book display adjacent to the circulation desk. Also, our Accessibility, Neurodiversity and Ableism collection contains works that consider issues related to disabilities in the context of the law, education, and other institutions, including neurodiversity and accessibility.

Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the need for continued advocacy. By promoting awareness, celebrating achievements, and advocating for policy change, we can build a more inclusive society where every individual is valued and respected. The goals of Disability Pride Month should be strived for not just in July but throughout the year, fostering a culture of acceptance, empowerment, and equality for all.

Independence Day- Happy 4th!

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As we approach July 4th, a holiday synonymous with celebrating independence and the principles by which our nation was founded, we want to inform you that UConn Law Library will be closed on July 4th, 2024.

Although our physical doors our closed, many of our resources are available online 24/7.  Our digital library catalog, databases, and research guides are accessible remotely, allowing you to continue your legal research and study from anywhere.

As we take July 4th to honor the ideals of freedom and justice that define our nation, we hope you enjoy a safe and festive holiday.

Our regular hours will resume on July 5th and the library staff will be available to assist you with your research and information needs.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Law Library Resources

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  In the realm of law, Alzheimer’s presents unique challenges, particularly concerning estate planning, guardianship, and healthcare directives. Attorneys play a crucial role in assisting families and individuals with Alzheimer’s to navigate legal complexities, ensuring that their wishes are honored and their rights protected throughout the progression of the disease.

Navigating legal issues and planning for the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be difficult and overwhelming. UConn Law Library has resources which may provide valuable information and support to help you through this difficult time.

Book Cover Alzheimer's and the Law
Alzheimer’s and the Law : Counseling Clients with Dementia and Their Families 5th Floor ; KF3803.A56 P43 2013

UConn Law Library Resources

 

Open Access Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is a time to unite in our efforts to support those affected by this disease, promote understanding, and work towards a future without Alzheimer’s. Representation with compassion and expertise is of tantamount importance. Let’s continue to shine a light on Alzheimer’s this June and beyond. Together, we can make a difference.

Voices of Heritage: Celebrating Caribbean American Law Students

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As we commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vibrant contributions and unique perspectives of Caribbean American law students at UConn Law. This month is not only a celebration of culture and heritage but also a recognition of the invaluable impact that Caribbean American students bring to the legal profession. Toni-Ann Gayle and Farah Jean are both rising 3L’s who share their reflections and experiences, shedding light on what it means to balance their rich cultural heritage with the pursuit of legal excellence.

Photo of Toni-Ann Gayle, UConn Law Student of Jamaican Descent
Toni-Ann Gayle, UConn Law Student

Toni-Ann Gayle notes the rich tapestry of her Jamaican heritage and how this month serves as a reminder of her heritage and the legacies she carries forward:

As a Jamaican law student, who migrated to the U.S. in 2015, I am privileged to be equipped with both the resources to fight against adversity, and the lived experiences to remind me why there is so much work to be done.  In Connecticut in particular, the largest group of foreign-born immigrants are from Jamaica! As the Jamaican proverb goes “wi likkle, but wi tallawah.” (Roughly translated to “though we are small, we are mighty”) Our presence in the state is evidenced by the fact that our food, music, and culture are always in earshot and can be enjoyed by all. Of course, in the legal system, this also means that there is always more to be done on our part to ensure that there is fair, accessible representation for the Jamaicans who now call this wonderful state their home. I hope to use my law degree to continue being a resource not only for my community, but for every group for which there is not enough representation in the legal field. I am blessed to have experienced growing up in a culture where advocating for justice was the norm. I will keep that lesson steadfast in my legal career.

 

 

Farah Jean reflects on how her Haitian heritage has shaped her experience, perspectives, and aspirations at UConn Law:

Photo of Farah Jean, UConn Law Student.
Farah Jean, UConn Law Student

Being Haitian and living in a foreign country has made me acutely aware of how much of the world remains unknown. Throughout law school, I have always been proud to answer the question, ‘Where are you from?’ because I know that Haiti is a country I will always represent, despite its ups and downs. While there is still a long way to go, earning my JD is a significant step toward my goal of giving back to my country in the future. I am thrilled to see Caribbean heritage being celebrated, recognizing the many contributions of Caribbean people in the United States and beyond. People with Caribbean heritage have always been a powerful force, leading the way in making meaningful change.

 

This month, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of Caribbean cultures and the invaluable contributions of our law students to UConn Law, the legal profession and society at large.