Immigration Law is Baffling

Today's post is not really a classroom resource.  Rather it is an invitation to begin a conversation that can lead to learning.

As the son of an immigrant, I am embarrassed to admit that I know very little about immigration law and procedure. I only glean what I can from anectdotes reported by the press - and I rarely trust the press to accurately report a complex issue. Whenever an issue comes up in class regarding illegal immigration, I often get angry responses from students who feel that immigrants can readily choose between immigrating legally or illegally and, therefore, choosing to immigrate illegally should be punished. Not being particularly familiar with the process from a professional (legal) standpoint, I was under the belief that the legal immigration process could not be navigated unless one had significant education or funds to hire expensive lawyers, or both. Once again, I don't know if this is true or not - but that was the impression I had from reading news articles like this one. I am under the impression that illegal immigration is the only realistic option for anyone who is not a "person of means."  Am I right or wrong?   Hopefully, someone with knowledge or expertise in this area can post a clarifying comment.

This following video seems to support the assumption that legal immigration is not a realistic option for many people.



This video is more encouraging, but still - lawyer's fees are involved.

Law Lessong - The Takings Clause

The next installment in the “Law Lessong” series is The Takings Clause. The lyrics for this song were written by Alex Bansak, a student in my Legal and Ethical Environment of Business class at the University of Connecticut. Students may submit law songs for credit. In order to fashion a rhyming scheme that matches a melody, a student must carefully examine and distill legal principles and the language that expresses the legal principles. This video features Alex's performance of the song as he submitted it for credit and use in the class. The song helps students consider the legal and practical parameters of the Eminent Domain power.

Learn more about Law Lessongs from the post found here.  More videos may be found at my youtube channel. Please feel free to use them in the classroom or as assignments or in any way that they work for you as an educational resource.

Facebook Photos = Imminent Incarceration

This blog has previously featured the use of facebook photos to support employee termination. Now, the granddaughter of a Saudi millionaire faces more severe consequences for her ill-advised facebook postings.

The Connecticut Supreme Court recently heard the appeal of Alia Altajir.  According to the Hartford Advocate,  a 19-year-old Altajir drove drunk and killed her best friend in 2004. Her plea bargain resulted in a sentence of five years suspended after one year served and 5 years probation. She later violated her probation.  Prosecutors used her facebook photos as evidence, referring to them as an "altar of alcohol, lewdness and debauchery." Noting a lack of remorse, the Superior Court judge sentenced Altajir to three years in jail. On appeal, defense counsel argued that the photos were undated and, therefore, should not have been admissible. Read the full article here.  Read the Appellate Court decision here.

A tip of the hat to Mark Spurling, my UConn colleague, for sharing this article.

Source of image: http://www.ct.com/news/advocates/latest-news/nm-ht44ncfacebook-20111025,0,3113626.story

Alia Altajir

Be Empowered! - by UCC Article 2

Here is an introduction to article 2 that is likely to get student attention.

Singing the C.I.S.G.

University of Pittsburgh Law School Professor Harry Flechtner has composed and recorded a song extolling the virtues of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (C.I.S.G.). If this is your area, be prepared to be simultaneously entertained and educated.  I don't know a lot about the CISG, but I am a big believer in the use of music as a pedagogical device. Thank you, Professor Flechtner, for sharing this great educational resource by posting it on the web.  A tip of the hat to ALSB member George Siedel for bringing it to my attention.

Click on the link below to access the site with an audio file of the C.I.S.G. Song:
(image source: http://commissions.uianet.org/en/business-law-department/root-48/presentation/)

Law Music Video - Criminal Lawyer

This week's installment in the "Law Music Videos" series is Criminal Lawyer by Bugle. Honestly, I can't understand a single word this guy is singing, other than "criminal lawyer."  But it's got a nice beat and it's easy to dance to. . . . Law music videos played before your class starts will positively contribute to learning.

Contingent Fee: 25%

Here is a law firm advertising a reduced contingent fee.  What a minute - on uncontested claims? First of all, is there such a thing? And when one comes along, what's the lawyer's job - to deposit the check? Students may be interested in discussing the ethics of this kind of advertising.