BlueAtlas

by Professor Geoffrey Corn
“However guilty defendants, upon due inquiry, might prove to have been, they were, until convicted, presumed to be innocent. It was the duty of the court having their cases in charge to see that they were denied no necessary incident of a fair trial.”
This quote from the Supreme Court’s 1932 opinion in Powell v. Alabama reflects a foundational pillar of our criminal justice system: that no matter how obvious a defendant’s guilt may be as a matter of fact, as a matter of law a criminal conviction is valid only if the defendant is afforded the process he is due.

First-of-Its-Kind Coalition Will Ensure That the Needs of Independent Graduate Schools, and Their Students, Are Represented in Federal and State Policy and Funding Discussions

HOUSTON (June 8, 2021) — South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston) — and 10 other independent graduate schools across the country — this week announced the launch of the National Association of Standalone Graduate Schools, a first-of-its-kind coalition that will offer a collective voice and platform for independent graduate institutions while serving as a source of innovative partnerships and strategies.

An estimated 18 million viewers watched on Tuesday, April 20, as Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict in the murder trial for ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was tried and convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The incident, which was recorded by numerous onlookers, has captured the attention of the nation and incited increased demands for police reform in America.

Within hours of the verdict, faculty and administrators at South Texas College of Law Houston hosted a forum for the law school community to discuss the legal, ethical, and social issues related to the case. Troy Finner, chief of the Houston Police Department, accepted an invitation to offer his insights during the panel discussion. More than 170 students joined the Zoom event, posing thoughtful questions and sharing personal experiences about their encounters with the police.

Despite logistical complications brought on by COVID-19, South Texas College of Law Houston’s Writing Center has already proven a popular and necessary resource to students and faculty during its first year in operation.

Designed to serve as a complement to the law school’s award-winning Legal Research and Writing (LRW) and Advocacy programs, the Writing Center coaches students to improve their writing skills in preparation for real-world applications after graduation. This year, that meant virtually conducting personal one-on-one reviews, panel discussions, and workshops.

Prospective employers pursue law school graduates who have the skill, knowledge, and professional experience to contribute to their organizations on day one. That is why the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics at South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston)operate like an actual law firm, assigning students to direct client representation and giving them the opportunity to provide legal advice and counsel, preparing them to graduate practice ready.
High Impact, Low-to-No Cost
The Clinics help students hone their lawyering skills while providing free assistance for low-income and disadvantaged populations throughout the Houston metropolitan area. In many cases, court fees are also waived.

South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston) recently hired two new professors, adding to its 50-strong, full-time faculty.

Beginning in fall 2021, Ryan H. Nelson and D’Andra Millsap Shu will teach civil procedure and legal research and writing, respectively.