Field Trip!

First of all, I would like to thank my generous commenters on last week's post, which I titled "The Environmental Impact of Midterms." For anyone currently attending UB, Paul Walsh from the Office of Technology Services posted a brief tutorial on how to print double sided in three of the campus computer labs! To read it, either go to last week's post (here) and click on comments, or just click (here) to go straight to the comments.

Also, I do have a travel coffee mug! And I almost always use it! However, I have heard that the environmental impact of producing a paper cup vs the impact of regularly washing a travel mug is pretty much a push. Of course, I solve this by never washing my mug.


Now onto this week's post proper. As I wrote last week, I had several midterms. I survived them, yes, its true.

I also got to experience UB Law's highly touted alumni network this week. For my civil procedure class, we are required to observe a civil proceeding. Judge Stuart R. Berger of the city circuit court was incredibly accommodating to open up both his court room and personal chambers to a group of about 15 UB law students for an entire morning. We were able to get an idea of how he prepared for each case that he hears, and how he approaches not only the law, but the procedural issues that arise during each trial. After our introduction, we enjoyed several hours of observation of pre-trial motions followed by jury selection, opening statements, and even some witness testimony. It is fascinating how much more sense this stuff makes when you know some of the background. Judge Berger gave us some facts about how busy the court system in Baltimore is, and it was impressive to watch him keep proceedings moving while ensuring all the rules of procedure were followed.

For those of you less familiar with law school, the course on civil procedure is a standard 1L course. It also is pretty dry material. Most of the time we read from a rule book. We study 12 (b)(6)(ii) motions, and Rule 15(a)(2). A lot of it is quite literally learning how to file paperwork. Important stuff, undoubtedly, but not the kind of information that keeps you up late at night pondering answers. I seriously think the highlight of my court observation experience was when the lawyer for the defense attempted to file a motion, the plaintiff's lawyer objected, and Judge Berger pulled out his rule book to look up the relevant rule. Even more impressive, while both lawyers had a general idea of the rule, Judge Berger knew, without looking, which rule it was. It was great to see that this stuff is useful not just for obscure problems involving dates during your exam, but in the real world where lawyers work!

Finally, it is worth noting that it is awesome that UB has graduates who are willing to take so much time out of their busy day for students. I am sure I speak for my whole class when I offer a big thanks to Judge Berger, his substitute clerk, and his administrative assistant for putting up with us all morning and generously assisting us with our assignment and education.

P.S. I heard a rumor that UB's mascot is the "Super Bee." Can anyone confirm or deny this?