Faculty News Feed

Solar Home Heating May Reduce Energy Poverty in Asia-Pacific Region, Vermont Law Study Shows

Vermont Law School — 09 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST

Solar home systems can provide energy services to rural households in the Asia-Pacific region more cost effectively than extending national grids and without relying on polluting fuels such as kerosene, diesel and coal, according to a new study co-authored by Vermont Law School Visiting Associate Professor Benjamin Sovacool and published in Progress In Development Studies.

The study explored four recent solar home systems programs supported by the World Bank's Asia Sustainable and Alternative Energy Program in China, Laos, Mongolia and Papua New Guinea that budgeted $328.2 million to distribute a targeted 401,500 such systems to nomadic herders, fishers and teachers.

The study concluded: "These projects collectively demonstrate that energy poverty remains a reality in the Asia-Pacific region, but that solar home systems can play a significant role in advancing social development and environmental objectives when limited political will or funds are available for rural energy infrastructure or national on-grid electrification programmes."

Read the study's abstract.

Professor Michael Dworkin Named to VELCO Board

Vermont Law School — 26 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Michael Dworkin recently was selected by the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity's (VLITE) as one of three people to sit on the Vermont Electric Power Co. (VELCO) board.

As part of the merger earlier this year of the utilities Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service, state officials agreed to establish VLITE, a nonprofit public benefit corporation. Its main function is to choose three directors for the VELCO board and decide how to use dividends from its 38 percent ownership of VELCO stock to create projects that align with the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan. The VLITE board represents the public's interest on the board, which oversees the maintenance of Vermont's transmission grid.

Dworkin founded VLS's Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) and is the former chair of the Vermont Public Service Board, a quasi-judicial body that oversees state utilities, as well as a former environmental litigator and small businessman. He received his BA degree, summa cum laude, from Middlebury College in 1975 and his JD degree, cum laude, from the Harvard Law School in 1978.

The IEE offers an advanced curriculum on energy and regulatory law, provides forums and conferences for professional education and issue development, publishes on environmental and energy issues and serves as a center for commissioned research on these topics.

Professor Jackie Gardina writes in Huffington Post - Whites Only, Heterosexuals Only: What's the Difference Again?

Vermont Law School — 02 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

In a recent commentary in The Huffington Post, Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina criticized Washington Post columnist George Will for defending a New Mexico business being sued for refusing on religious grounds to photograph a commitment ceremony between two women.

"Will not only concludes that Elane Photography should have the right to discriminate based on sexual orientation, he goes on to chastise the affected couple for bringing suit," wrote Gardina, whose expertise includes gay and lesbian legal issues. "Even more, he suggests that 'perhaps advocates of gay rights should begin to restrain the bullies in their ranks.' Or to put a historical spin on it: if there is a lunch counter willing to serve you, why try to sit at one that finds you repugnant? At least Will didn't suggest that the couple be arrested for challenging the Huguenins' policy as thousands of civil rights protesters were for seeking the desegregation of public accommodations. Separate but equal lives on."

Read the full article, headlined "Whites Only, Heterosexuals Only: What's the Difference Again?" and published Oct.1, 2012, in The Huffington Post.

Professors Goodenough, Purdom in Huffington Post: Reimagining Legal Education

Vermont Law School — 06 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST

In a commentary titled "Reimagining Legal Education" in The Huffington Post, Vermont Law School professors Oliver Goodenough and Rebecca Purdom discuss how law schools are navigating the perfect storm of change sweeping the legal landscape, including technological advance, shrinking job prospects, escalating tuition and costs, regulatory change and heightened competition.

"As we recreate legal education in the current context of challenge and change, we will be most successful if we don't get too hung up on the old labels and divisions of labor. We probably need the same things to happen (content delivery, framing, memorization, practice), but we don't need them to happen in the old way or in the old order. We need to be willing to move the pieces around, turning the classroom inside out and upside down, so that new instruction approaches don't simply parallel old style learning, but rather that new models evolve that meet our ultimate goals even more effectively, with improvements in both outcomes and price. The freedom -- and the necessity -- to imagine is there, and law schools and other participants in legal education that embrace the opportunity are the ones likely to prosper in the decades ahead."

Read the full story published Sept. 5, 2012, in The Huffington Post.

Professor Gus Speth Releases Third Book in "American Crisis" Series

Vermont Law School — 31 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST

In his new book "America the Possible - Manifesto for a New Economy," Vermont Law School Professor Gus Speth looks at the troubles in which the United States now finds itself, charts a course through the despair and envisions what he calls "America the Possible."

In this third volume of his award-winning "American Crisis" series, Speth identifies a dozen features of the American political economy where transformative change is essential, and he explains how system change can come to America.

Excerpt from the preface:

"Like most Americans, I love this country. I love its boundless energy and spirited people, its natural beauty, its creativity in so many fields, its many gifts to the world, and the freedom and opportunity it has given me and others to write books like this one&mdasph;which is why on August 20, 2011, I became a jailbird.

"Along with sixty-five others, I was arrested in front of the White House protesting the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, all 1,700 miles of it intended to carry oil from the tar sands of Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf Coast to satisfy our country's insatiable thirst for oil. Our modest act of nonviolent civil disobedience landed us in the central cellblock of the District of Columbia jail for two nights.

"Some protesters were acting to stop the desecration of the North American land. My motivation was climate change: after more than thirty years of unsuccessfully advocating for government action to protect our planet's climate, I found myself at the end of my proverbial rope. Civil disobedience was my way of saying that America's economic and political system had failed us all. Having served as President Jimmy Carter's White House environmental adviser, helping to found two of our country's major environmental groups, leading the United Nations' largest program for international development, and serving as dean of Yale's environment school, I was once dubbed the 'ultimate insider' by TIME magazine. But my conclusion in August was and still is that working inside the system is insufficient. We have to step outside America's broken system of political economy and begin the difficult job of transforming it. As the slogan goes, 'system change, not climate change.'

"This book tells the story of how system change can come to America. At its heart is a vision of an attractive, pleasant, and successful America that is still within our power to realize by mid-century. In this America the Possible, our country will have rejoined the leading nations in realizing social justice and well-being, in building peace and real global security, and in sustaining our planet's environmental assets both domestically and globally. We will have reclaimed our democracy from what were once quite properly called the 'moneyed interests.' And we will have seen a deep transformation in our country's dominant values and culture.

"Now that is all very nice, you might be thinking, but how do we get there? I will endeavor in this book to chart a course to an America the Possible—a course from today's decline to tomorrow's rebirth..."

For a schedule of Speth's speaking events about the book, go to: http://americathepossiblethebook.com/events/

Speth joined the faculty at VLS in 2010 after a decade as dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Previously, he was administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and chair of the UN Development Group. Prior to his service at the U.N., he was founder and president of the World Resources Institute, professor of law at Georgetown University, chairman of the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (Carter Administration) and senior attorney and co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Professor McCann Examines Fallout from Penn State Sexual Abuse Scandal

Vermont Law School — 27 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann has been providing the national media with insight into the legal fallout from the Freeh report on the child molestation scandal and cover up at Penn State.

Among the media he spoke with were The New York Times, NPR, MSNBC,
CNN, Sports Illustrated, Bloomberg News, Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

McCann, one of the nation's top sports law experts, is director of VLS's Sports Law Institute, Sports Illustrated's legal analyst, "Sports Law" columnist on SI.com (CNNSI) and an on-air legal analyst for NBA TV.

Professor Jackie Gardina Argues for Same-Sex Marriage in Huffington Post

Vermont Law School — 09 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST

In a July 9 commentary headlined "License to Marry" in The Huffington Post, Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina challenges opponents of marriage equality who argue that marriage is the foundation of human society and allowing same-sex couples to wed would cause that foundation to crumble.

"For all the grand statements about the importance of marriage to our society, the state does very little to regulate those who can enter heterosexual unions," writes Gardina, whose expertise includes sexual orientation and gender identity issues.. "It doesn't matter how long the couple has known each other, whether they intend to have children or whether there is a history of violence. To be sure, some states do have age requirements and some place restrictions on intra-familial unions -- like those between first cousins -- but other than that, there seems to be no real limits. A man and woman can marry and 55 hours later have the marriage annulled, a la Britney Spears and Jason Alexander. Heterosexual couples are allowed to marry and divorce multiple times without limitation. One of my favorite signs at a marriage equality rally read, 'Elizabeth Taylor had 8 husbands, my brother wants just 1.' Even Ted Bundy, a convicted serial killer, married a former co-worker, Carol Ann Boone, during the death penalty phase of his trial....

"In November, four states will vote on marriage equality and it is likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. Opponents will try to articulate how allowing same-sex couples to marry will destroy the foundation of our society. But I don't see it. Apparently to be part of the foundation, you only need to know your name, your address, your birthday and where your parents were born. I think I'm ready."

Read the full article.

Professor Jackie Gardina Calls for Marriage Equality in Huffington Post Op-Ed

Vermont Law School — 22 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST

The Huffington Post recently carried an op-ed article headlined "Marriage Equality, State Power and the Bible" by Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina.

"President Obama's recent statement that he supports marriage equality along with the federal appeals court's recent decisions that Prop 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act are unconstitutional appear to be gains for the gay and lesbian community," she wrote.

"But neither the president nor the courts stated that gays and lesbians have a fundamental right to marry -- something that the U.S. Supreme Court says exists for heterosexual couples. Rather, both cited a state's power to regulate domestic relations within its borders. That's a problem. Once marriage equality is put to a vote -- as it was recently in North Carolina and will be again in Washington, Minnesota and Maryland -- the churches become lobbyist and the Bible becomes the foundation for oppression."

Read the full article.

Gone Fishin': Prof. Parenteau Analyzes Court Ruling on Recreationists' Access to Reservoir

Vermont Law School — 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Pat Parenteau talked to WCAX recently about the Vermont Supreme Court's recent ruling that the city of Montpelier does not currently have the authority from the state to restrict public recreation at its drinking water supply.

Watch the story.

"One of the ironies here is that the city of Montpelier is liable for delivering water to its customers that is in any way impaired by the activities that occur in Berlin Pond and yet Montpelier doesn't have the authority to protect and prevent that kind of harm from occurring," said Parenteau, whose expertise includes water resources and public lands.

Parenteau said city officials have two options -- the first, going to the state Water Resources Panel and persuading them that Berlin Pond will be harmed by recreation, something they have been unable to do in the past.

"The other option would be to go to the Legislature and get a clear delegated authority to amend the charter for the city of Montpelier to directly regulate activities at Berlin Pond," he said.

Prof. McCann Breaks Down Roger Clemens Trial in Sports Illustrated

Vermont Law School — 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Roger Clemens may have to testify if his chief accuser hits a home run on the witness stand in the former baseball star's trial over whether he lied about using steroids and human growth hormone, Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann wrote in his latest column in Sports Illustrated.

Read the full column at SI.com.

McCann, a nationally recognized expert in sports law, antitrust, and law and economics, is director of VLS's Sports Law Institute, Sports Illustrated's legal analyst, "Sports Law" columnist on SI.com (CNNSI) and an on-air legal analyst for NBA TV.

"More than four years since he and Roger Clemens gave contradictory testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Brian McNamee appeared before U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton over the last two days to answer questions from government prosecutors. In doing so, he provided the most pivotal testimony yet in U.S. v. Clemens. McNamee also set the table for a contentious showdown with Clemens' lawyers as they cross-examine him late this afternoon and into tomorrow....

"If McNamee excels during cross-examination, Clemens' legal team may have no choice but to call Clemens to the stand and ask him to rebut McNamee's account. It would be a risky maneuver, since Clemens would have to also face cross-examination. His bravado and often inflexible choice of words could doom him when facing crafty questions from prosecutors. But not letting Clemens testify could also be major blunder and would be highlighted in the event he is convicted. McNamee's testimony on cross-examination, in other words, could be the trial's game changer.

"The government can still obtain a conviction of Clemens without the jury fully believing McNamee. In addition to perjury and false statement counts, Clemens is also defending against a count for obstruction of Congress. The charge refers to impeding and interfering with a Congressional investigation. It is plausible that jurors could reason that the government did not prove that Clemens knowingly lied under oath, but nonetheless showed that Clemens' interactions with the investigation were sufficiently misleading or distortive to warrant an obstruction conviction. While Clemens would face a maximum of five years in prison for such a conviction, Judge Walton could decline to impose any prison time and instead impose probation, community service and house arrest -- just like that assigned to Barry Bonds, who was likewise convicted on obstruction charges."

Prof. Apel Explores "Newfangled Families"

Vermont Law School — 07 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

In a recent story headlined "Newfangled Families," the Valley News featured the MedLaw Seminar taught by Vermont Law School Professor Susan Apel, director of the General Practice Program, and Judy Stern, a professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine.

The seminar, which started in 1999, explores the legal and social complexities that can result when couples use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to create a family.

The rate of ART procedures in the United States has doubled over the past decade, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Copntrol and Prevention. More than 1 percent of all infants born in the United States every year are conceived using ART. With rising rates of infertility and more couples desiring to have children outside the traditional male-female marriage structure, the prevalence of technology-assisted pregnancies is likely to increase.

"Stern and Apel connected after they realized each needed the expertise of the other," the Valley News reported. "Stern, the doctor, wanted to learn more about the potential legal issues involved in newfangled fertility procedures. And Apel, the professor, had received her training in family law before many of these procedures were even in existence.

"'I realized I was teaching this old-fashioned family law,' Apel said. 'I needed to understand more about the new technology. Most of these (legal) cases, with some exceptions, are dealt with on a state-by-state basis. You have 50 different jurisdictions that may be coming to different results... It's a difficult assignment for the courts. they're working with very little precendent from anywhere else.'"

Learn more about VLS's MedLaw Seminar and General Practice Program.

Prof. McCann Explores Truths, Myths about Roger Clemens Trial

Vermont Law School — 03 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

In his latest Sports Illustrated column, Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann discusses myths and truths about the U.S. Justice Department's prosecution of former baseball star Roger Clemens and about the Congressional hearing on the clinical effects of HGH, vitamin B-12 and other performance-enhancing drugs and motivations for athletes to use them.

"As the Roger Clemens trial plods along, many are asking, in one form or another: Why did Congress waste millions of our tax dollars to investigate if a baseball player used steroids?" wrote McCann, one of the nation's leading sports law experts and the director of VLS's Sports Law Institute. He also is a legal analyst for Sports Illustrated and the "Sports Law" columnist on CNNSI (SI.com).

"It's a question that has been repeatedly asked since Clemens testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Feb. 13, 2008 and defiantly claimed that he had never used illegal steroids or Human Growth Hormone. The committee's doubts about Clemens' truthfulness led to an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, a nearly 16-month grand jury proceeding, perjury charges, a mistrial last summer and, finally, a new trial. All told, millions of tax dollars have been spent by the federal government investigating and prosecuting Clemens.

"The lingering belief that the Congressional hearings and subsequent developments were all a foolish use of government time and money has not gone away. Prospective jurors even admitted to U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton that they felt the Congressional hearings were wasteful. One potential juror went so far to describe it as 'a little bit ridiculous' that Congress would investigate Clemens instead of numerous matters more crucial to the nation. As expected, attorneys for Clemens have tried to capitalize on this sentiment in their defense. They hope to persuade jurors to nullify the government's case on grounds that it never should have been brought to trial.

"While there are legitimate criticisms of the investigation and prosecution of Clemens, myths and falsehoods about the infamous Congressional hearing in 2008 have emerged and are worthy of correction. You may even come to believe Congress was right, or at least justified, in calling Clemens to testify."

The Economist, Other Media Cite Nuclear Studies by Energy Researcher Cooper

Vermont Law School — 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

In a recent article on the nuclear power industry in the United States, The Economist cited a study by Mark Cooper that examined the financing of nuclear plants.

Cooper, who is senior research fellow for economic analysis at Vermont Law School's Institute for Energy and the Environment, found that in constant dollars the cost of nuclear power roughly quintupled between the 1970s and the early 1990s. He also found that initial cost projections tended dramatically to underestimate actual costs, as the Vogtle experience would seem to bear out.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently approved its first-ever combined construction and operation licences to the Atlanta-based Southern Company to build two new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia. It was the first approval of the construction of a new nuclear reactor in the United States since the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.

Also, the Des Moines Register, Seattle Times and other media recently talked to Cooper about his report titled "Nuclear Socialism Comes to the Heartland of America: Early Cost Recovery for New Nuclear Reactors in Iowa and The Return of Electricity Rate Shock."

Prof. Sovacool to Help Author IPCC Climate Change Report

Vermont Law School — 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Associate Professor Benjamin Sovacool has been invited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be a contributing author to its Working Group II, which deals with climate change adaptation, of the forthcoming Fifth Assessment chapter on "Rural Poverty and Livelihoods."

Sovacool is among thousands of scientists from all over the world who contribute to the work of the IPCC on a voluntary basis as authors, contributors and reviewers.

The IPCC is currently organized into three Working Groups and a Task Force. The Working Group II assesses the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, negative and positive consequences of climate change and options for adapting to it. It also considers the inter-relationship between vulnerability, adaptation and sustainable development.

The assessed information is considered by sectors (water resources, ecosystems, food and forests, coastal systems, industry, human health) and regions (Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, North America, Polar Regions, Small Islands).

The IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change, its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts and options for mitigation and adaptation. The IPCC has completed four full assessment reports, guidelines and methodologies, special reports and technical papers.

The IPCC reviews and assesses the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change. It does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters.

Prof. Renzo Examines Privatized Prisons

Vermont Law School — 10 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Anthony Renzo recently published an article titled "Rights in Search of Remedies: Supreme Court Sentences Federal Inmates to Vagaries of State Law When Prison Contractors Violate Their Constitutional Rights" in the American Constitutional Society Blog.

In the article, Renzo spotlighted the case of prisoner Richard Lee Pollard, whom the U.S. Supreme Court barred from bringing a damage action in federal court against the individual corporate employees who violated his Eighth Amendment rights when they disregarded a serious medical condition that required treatment.

Renzo's areas of expertise include constitutional and civil liberties litigation.

Prof. Wroth Proposes Solutions for Solving Lake Champlain's Environmental Problems

Vermont Law School — 02 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST

In a recent paper in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, Vermont Law School Professor Kinvin Wroth summarizes the legal provisions that apply to Lake Champlain's environment to provide a starting point for comparative analysis that will facilitate coordinated transboundary solutions to the environmental problems of the Lake Champlain Basin and that may be applicable to other shared international and interstate/provincial waters.

Lake Champlain is governed by six legal regimes with historic differences, and the United States and Canada allocate power differently between governmental levels and branches. As a result, environmental regulation differs between the countries. Bi-national efforts against phosphorus pollution have been impeded by the differences, so comparative legal analysis is a basis for a cooperative approach to such problems, Wroth wrote.

Read the paper.

Professor Gardina Elected Co-President of SALT

Vermont Law School — 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina recently took the helm as co-president of the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT) along with Professor Ngai Pindell of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Boyd School of Law.

SALT, a group of progressive law teachers working for justice, diversity and academic excellence for more than 35 years, is governed by a 30-member board of governors elected by the membership in three-year terms. SALT's committees examine critical issues facing the legal academy and profession: academic freedom, equal opportunity, issues in legal education, judicial and government nominations, LGBT issues and human rights.

Gardina specializes in four main areas: civil procedure, administrative law, bankruptcy with a special emphasis on environmental obligations in bankruptcy, and sexual orientation and gender identity issues. In addition to her teaching duties, she has spoken and written on a variety of topics, including learning disabilities in higher education, bankruptcy, the Solomon Amendment and the "don't ask, don't tell" law. She is a governing board member of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

Educating Digital Lawyers: Prof. Goodenough Op-Ed in Huffington Post

Vermont Law School — 17 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

In a recent op-ed titled "Educating Digital Lawyers" in The Huffington Post, Vermont Law School Professor Oliver Goodenough discussed how law schools may adapt to the changing needs of the legal profession.

"The information, communication and processing innovations that we bundle under the 'digital' label are, like cheap printing before it, creating a wealth of new possibilities for how we can define, deliver and teach that set of rules and enforcement mechanisms we call law," Goodenough wrote. "While specific prediction about what the new world will look like is hard, the general prediction that we are entering into a period of extensive change seems trivially obvious. What is less obvious is whether the members of the AALS will lead the charge or get dragged, moaning and pontificating, into a new age of legal education. As workers across many fields of our evolving economy know, restructuring is painful. Creative destruction often comes at the expense of those most competent in the old system."

Read the article.

Prof. Porto's New Book Argues for More Due Process in College Sports

Vermont Law School — 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Associate Professor Brian Porto's new book, "The Supreme Court and the NCAA: The Case for Less Commercialism and More Due Process in College Sports," was recently published.

Two U.S. Supreme Court decisions, NCAA v. Board of Regents (1984) and NCAA v. Tarkanian (1988), have shaped college sports by permitting the emergence of a supercharged commercial enterprise with high financial stakes for institutions and individuals, while failing to guarantee adequate procedural protections for persons charged with wrongdoing within that enterprise.

Porto examines the conditions that led to the cases, the reasoning behind the justices' rulings and the consequences of those rulings.

Arguing that commercialized college sports should be compatible with the goals of higher education and fair to all participants, Porto suggests that the remedy is a federal statute. His proposed College Sports Legal Reform Act would grant the NCAA a limited "educational exemption" from the antitrust laws, enabling it to enhance academic opportunities for athletes. The Act would also afford greater procedural protections to accused parties in NCAA disciplinary proceedings.

Porto's prescription for reform in college sports makes a significant contribution to the debate about how best to address perennial problems in college sports such as cost containment, access to a meaningful education for athletes and fairness in rule enforcement.

Grizzly Bears: Professors Tuholske, Pease Help Restore Protected Status for Top Predator

Vermont Law School — 30 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School professors Jack Tuholske and Craig Pease played a major role in a federal appellate court's recent decision to restore Endangered Species Act protection for grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains that grizzlies and their habitat in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem have recovered enough to be placed under state management. But the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Nov. 22 struck down federal wildlife managers' 2007 decision to remove the bears from the endangered species list.

The court said the federal agency had not fully considered the decline of whitebark pines, whose seeds are a major food source for grizzlies. The court cited climate change's role in the destruction of whitebark pine forests.

Tuholske handled the case successfully in U.S. District Court, while Earthjustice handled the case before the appellate court. Pease consulted extensively with Tuholske and was one of the scientists relied upon to help restore the grizzlies' federal protection.

Professor Jack Tuholske

"Grizzly bears face a potentially tragic future because their habitat is one of the first to feel the effects of climate disruption," Tuholske said. "This decision provides continued protection for these bears and sets the bar high for the government in terms of scientific integrity in the face of impacts from climate change."

Grizzly bears, one of the American West's most iconic wild animals, have tripled in population to about 600 under federal protection in the greater Yellowstone region over the last 35 years. The court's ruling makes them only the second wildlife species, after the polar bear, to earn protection from harm caused by global warming.

Tuholske, who specializes in public interest environmental litigation throughout the West, has been involved in seminal decisions in environmental, land use, and constitutional law.

Professor Craig Pease

Pease, a research scientist, has expertise in demographic and population models, particularly of plants, songbirds, and bears. He is a leading expert on the Yellowstone grizzlies.

Nearly Tip Off Time: Prof. McCann Examines Tentative NBA Labor Settlement

Vermont Law School — 30 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann, one of America's leading sports law experts, has been busy lately providing the nation's media with legal analysis of the tentative labor agreement between NBA owners and players.

Read McCann's Sports Illustrated column.

Watch NBA TV.

"If all goes as planned, the free agency period will begin on Dec. 9, the regular season will begin on Christmas Day and the players' and owners' agreement will last 10 years, with each side able to opt-out after six," McCann writes in SI.com. "All may not go as planned, however, as the league and its players -- some of whom are playing overseas -- still have a number of pressing obstacles to overcome in what are shaping up as frantic days ahead."

McCann, who is director of VLS's Sports Law Institute, is the legal analyst for Sports Illustrated and NBA TV. He also is co-founder of The Project on Law and Mind Sciences at Harvard Law School and teaches a sports law and analytics reading group at Yale Law School.

You Want Kale with That Chicken? Prof. Goodenough Examines Trademark Dispute Between Vermont Artist and Fast Food Chain

Vermont Law School — 30 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

In a food fight not over nutrition but brand protection, Professor Oliver Goodenough recently spoke to the Associated Press about the trademark dispute between a Vermont folk artist promoting local agriculture and the nation's second-largest chicken restaurant chain.

AP's story was picked up worldwide by more than 150 media outlets, including ABC News, the Huffington Post, MSNBC and Yahoo! Finance.

Lawyers for Chick-fil-A, whose advertising uses the trademarked phrase "eat mor chikin," sent the Vermont artist a letter demanding he stop producing T-shirts and sweatshirts with the slogan "Eat More Kale."

Goodenough's expertise includes intellectual property and copyright law. His research and writing at the intersection of law, economics, finance, media, technology, neuroscience and behavioral biology make him a national authority in several emerging areas of law.

Bam, Pow, Crash! Professor Goodenough Examines Comic Books Dispute

Vermont Law School — 16 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Oliver Goodenough -- a legal superhero in his own right -- and Stephen Bissette of the the Center for Cartoon Studies recently discussed the legal and ethical aspects of the copyright dispute between Marvel Comics and comic book legend Jack Kirby, who created such iconic characters as the X-Men, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four and others.

Listen to the discussion posted on The Comics Journal.

Read coverage in The Hollywood Reporter.

Goodenough's research and writing at the intersection of law, economics, finance, media, technology, neuroscience and behavioral biology make him an authority in several emerging areas of law. He is a Professor of Law and the Director of Scholarship at VLS and a Faculty Fellow at The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, where he is co-director of the Law Lab project.

Bissette is a founding faculty member at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vt., and has been a champion for creator rights for decades.

Prof. McCann Analyzes Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal for Sports Illustrated

Vermont Law School — 11 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Professor Michael McCann, one of the nation's top sports law experts, analyzed the Penn State sexual abuse scandal in his Sports Illustrated column on Nov. 9 and Nov. 11.

Read: Did Joe Paterno break the law? Nov. 9

Read: Sandusky grand jury presentment doesn't tell the whole story Nov. 11

The scandal involves the school's handling of allegations against Jerry Sandusky, 67, a former assistant football coach under head coach Joe Paterno. Sandusky was arrested Nov. 5 on charges of sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year period.

Penn State officials have been criticized for a failure to act adequately after learning that Sandusky might have been abusing children. No one at the university alerted the police.

New York Times Discusses Keystone XL Project with Prof. Echeverria

Vermont Law School — 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

The New York Times has spoken twice recently with Vermont Law School Professor John Echeverria about the controversial Keystone XL project, which would build a 1,700-mile pipeline from the oil sands of northern Alberta to the Gulf Coast in Texas.

An Oct. 7 story said the U.S. State Department assigned an important environmental impact study of the proposed pipeline to Cardno Entrix, a company with financial ties to the pipeline operator, TransCanada, flouting the intent of a federal law meant to ensure an impartial environmental analysis of major projects.

In a Nov. 1 story, the State Department defended its decision to award the environmental impact study to Cardno Entrix.

Professor Echeverria, one of the nation's leading experts in takings law, has expertise in climate change, constitutional law, land use planning and regulation, and other fields. Before joining VLS in 2009, he was executive director of the Georgetown Environmental Law & Policy Institute at Georgetown University Law Center.

Prof. Jennifer Taub's Chapter on Financial Crisis Praised

Vermont Law School — 28 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Professor Jennifer Taub's chapter in the recently published book "Corporate Governance Failures: The Role of Institutional Investors in the Global Financial Crisis" was highlighted and praised as thought provoking by Martin Fridson, a prominent global credit analyst whom The New York Times called "one of Wall Street's most thoughtful and perceptive analysts."

Read the review.

Taub, who researches and writes about financial reform, corporate governance, and mutual fund regulation, joined the faculty of Vermont Law School in 2011, after serving as coordinator of the Business Law Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management.

VT Law School Experts Read "Legal Tea Leaves" While Awaiting Vermont Yankee Ruling

Vermont Law School — 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School professors Pat Parenteau, Cheryl Hanna and Don Kreis have been busy recently reading the "legal tea leaves" while awaiting a federal judge's decision in the trial over the controversial Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.

The professors have filed new commentaries in VLS's popular Vermont Yankee faculty blog about the questions and potential answers being contemplated by U.S. District Court Judge J. Garvan Murtha.

The future of nuclear power nationally could be influenced by the outcome of the lawsuit, which is why it is being watched so closely nationwide. Entergy's lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Vermont's law giving the state Legislature veto power over the reactor's operation, as well as the right of any state utility commission nationwide to determine whether nuclear power should be part of a mix of electricity generation produced within the state.

Read VLS's Vermont Yankee faculty commentary blog.

VT Law School Experts Analyze Ruling in Vermont Yankee Lawsuit

Vermont Law School — 20 Jul 2011 04:00:00 EST

The Associated Press, Vermont Public Radio, Burlington Free Press, WCAX, FOX44, WPTZ and other media spoke with Vermont Law School professors Pat Parenteau, Michael Dworkin, Cheryl Hanna and Don Kreis about a federal judge's ruling July 18 in the lawsuit over the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.

The judge denied Entergy a preliminary injunction that would have allowed the plant to keep running after March 2012, until the permitting issue is decided at a trial set to start in September 2011.

The professors are commenting on the lawsuit on the VLS faculty's Vermont Yankee commentary blog, where the judge's ruling also is posted.

New York Times Discusses Gay Discrimination Lawsuit with Prof. Greg Johnson

Vermont Law School — 20 Jul 2011 04:00:00 EST

The New York Times talked to Vermont Law School Professor Greg Johnson for a July 20 story about a lesbian couple who is suing a Vermont inn, claiming it refused to host their fall wedding reception because of their sexual orientation.

Johnson, whose expertise includes gay and lesbian legal issues and sexual orientation and the law, told the Times that the suit could set a precedent as more states legalize same-sex marriage. Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in six states and the District of Columbia, all of which protect gay men and lesbians in their public-accommodations laws.

"I think this case could set an important precedent not only for Vermont but for other states with marriage equality," he said, noting that lawsuits like this are rare.

Read the Times story.

In National Media Spotlight, Prof. McCann Tackles Roger Clemens Perjury Trial, NFL and NBA Labor Disputes

Vermont Law School — 14 Jul 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann, one of the nation's top experts in sports law, has been busy recently as a legal analyst for Sports Illustrated.

His latest columns are:

Prosecution's error likely to get Clemens off the hook (07/1/2011)

Ruling validates NFL legal strategy (07/08/2011)

Implicated athletes still have plenty at stake in Galea plea deal (07/06/2011)

Explaining the NFL retired players' lawsuit (07/06/2011)

What you need to know about Roger Clemens' trial (07/04/2011)

Burning questions as NBA lockout looms (06/30/2011)

McCann, who is director of VLS's Sports Law Institute, also was a recent in-studio host on Sports Illustrated.CNN Video and NBA TV, where he discussed the NBA labor dispute: NBA TV clip one, clip two, clip three.

Professors Parenteau, Kreis Discuss Vermont Yankee Lawsuit With VPR

Vermont Law School — 23 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Public Radio interviewed Vermont Law School professors Pat Parenteau and Don Kreis on June 22 in advance of a key hearing in the federal lawsuit over the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.

Listen to the interview.

Read the VLS faculty commentary blog on the Vermont Yankee lawsuit.

The hearing was on Entergy's motion for a preliminary injunction to keep the plant operating pending a trial on the case's merits.

The future of nuclear power nationally could be influenced by the outcome of Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC et. al. v. Shumlin et. al., which is why the case is being watched so closely nationwide.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given Entergy, which owns Vermont Yankee, a license to operate for another 20 years after its original 40-year federal license expires in March 2012. But the Vermont Legislature has refused to allow the state Public Service Board to issue a certificate of public good, which is required under state law.

Entergy's lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Vermont's law giving the state legislature veto power over the reactor's operation, as well as the right of any state utility commission to determine whether nuclear power should be part of a mix of electricity generation produced within the state.

New York Times/Greenwire Talk to Prof. Parenteau About Global Warming Case

Vermont Law School — 23 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

The New York Times carried a Greenwire story talking to Vermont Law School Professor Pat Parenteau about the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on June 20 in the global warming case American Electric Power v. Connecticut.

The Court unanimously overturned a 2009 federal appeals court decision that allowed several states and environmental groups to sue coal-fired electric utilities on the grounds that their emissions create a public nuisance by contributing to global warming.

The case tried to use common law -- or a judge-made remedy -- to force industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the Supreme Court said the matter must be addressed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act rather than the courts. The EPA plans to make a final decision about whether it will issue final greenhouse gas regulations by May 2012.

New York Law Journal Reviews Prof. Schmidt's Nonprofit Law Casebook

Vermont Law School — 21 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

The New York Law Journal on June 14 favorably reviewed Vermont Law School Associate Professor Betsy Schmidt's new casebook, "Nonprofit Law: The Life Cycle Of a Charitable Corporation."

"Many lawyers retain their casebooks from law school for years after graduation, and occasionally consult one or more of them in their practices. Ms. Schmidt's new casebook will likely be shelved among such casebooks, and cracked open by practitioners who seek to organize a tax-exempt organization, represent one in litigation, plan to sue one, or have a client contemplating serving on a charitable organization's board," said the reviewer, Kenneth Ryesky, a solo practitioner and professor of accounting at Queens College CUNY who was formerly an attorney with the Internal Revenue Service.

Reefer Madness: Planning for and Regulating Medical Marijuana

Vermont Law School — 16 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

Summer faculty member Dwight Merriam, of Robinson & Cole LLP's Land Use Group, gave a Hot Topics talk on Jun 9, 2011, titled "Reefer Madness: Planning for and Regulating Medical Marijuana."

Dwight Merriam discusses wide variation in state laws for medical marijuana and the resulting controversy.

Merriam discussed the the wide variation in state enabling laws and local ordinances for medical marijuana and the resulting controversy, uncontrolled activity and unexpected consequences.

Each summer as part of Vermont Law School's summer session, the Environmental Law Center presents Hot Topics in Environmental Law, a brown bag lecture series on important environmental law and policy issues facing the world. The lectures are free and open to the public.

Prof. Tuholske Weighs In On Montana Climate Change Lawsuit

Vermont Law School — 14 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Adjunct Prof. Jack Tuholske co-authored a June 14 op-ed in the Missoulian (Mont.) on a climate change lawsuit recently filed at the Montana Supreme Court.

The suit was filed by a group of unpaid Montana lawyers who asked the court to declare that governments at all levels hold the atmosphere in trust for its citizens and owe a fiduciary duty to protect it.

Tuholske, a lawyer in Missoula, argued that the suit has a sound legal basis in Montana law.

"The public trust doctrine has been repeatedly recognized by the Montana Supreme Court for the more than a quarter-century and, in light of the constitution's protection of the 'the entire (environmental) life support system,' it hardly seems 'audacious' to extend the doctrine's reach from rivers and lakes to the atmosphere," the op-ed said. "Since the doctrine has been used for over a century throughout the U.S. to protect the public's interest in water, it is neither 'implausible' nor a 'leap' for the court to require the government to fulfill its duty to protect the atmosphere as a public asset upon which our lives depend."

Read the op-ed.

VPR Discusses CVPS's Proposed Sale With Prof. Dworkin

Vermont Law School — 10 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Public Radio interviewed Professor Michael Dworkin on June 8 about a Canadian-based company's proposed purchase of the Central Vermont Public Service Corp.

He discussed the impact and implications of the proposed sale on CVPS shareholders, rate payers and employees and why Canadian companies have found Vermont utilities such desirable takeover targets.

Dworkin is the director of Vermont Law School's Institute for Energy and the Environment and the former chairman of the Vermont Public Service Board.

Listen to the story.

Prof. Meyer Discusses "Why L.A. Law Still Matters"

Vermont Law School — 25 May 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor Philip Meyer spoke at a Stanford Law School symposium titled "Channeling Justice: Television and the Legal Profession" on May 6.

Other speakers included several Stanford Law faculty members and television producers David Kelley, whose shows have included "L.A. Law," "Boston Legal" and "Ally McBeal," and Ben Silverman, whose shows have included "The Office."

Meyer's talk, "Why L.A. Law Still Matters," was based on his chapter "Revisiting L.A. Law" in the 2009 book "Lawyers in Your Living Room! Law On Television," published by the American Bar Association. The book was aimed at both commercial and academic audiences.

Read Meyer's chapter.

Prof. Echeverria Testifies on Private Property Rights

Vermont Law School — 24 May 2011 04:00:00 EST

Vermont Law School Professor John Echeverria, one of the nation's foremost experts in takings law, testified April 11 on the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2011 before the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read the testimony.

Watch the testimony on YouTube.

Dean Shields Talks to Marketplace About "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Vermont Law School — 04 May 2011 04:00:00 EST

Marketplace, the national radio program, spoke with Dean Jeff Shields, Professor Greg Johnson and several students on May 2 about Vermont Law School's stance on the "don't ask, don't tell" law.

Dean Jeff Shields

Listen to and read the Marketplace story.

VLS is one of only two law schools in the nation that prohibit military recruiters on campus because of "don't ask, don't tell," which prevents gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military--and VLS is the only law school that foregoes some federal funds because of its stance on "don't ask, don't tell."

Legislation to repeal the law was approved by Congress and signed by President Obama in December, but the repeal won't be effective until 60 days after the president, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of defense certify that policies and regulations are in place and military readiness will not be affected.

Once the repeal is finalized, Shields will notify the Pentagon that military recruiters are allowed back on campus for the first time in more than 25 years.

VLS students and JAG recruiters have maintained a strong relationship despite the impediment of having to meet off campus over the years--on average, VLS has the same number of graduates and interns entering JAG as law schools that allow military recruiters on campus nationwide.

Read a recent VLS news release.

Dean Shields Explores Single-Payer Health Care Proposal on Vermont Public Radio

Vermont Law School — 13 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST

In an April 12 commentary on VPR, President, Dean and Professor Jeff Shields discussed the implications for Vermont residents of a single-payer health care system being considered by the governor and Legislature. Shields' expertise includes health care law and financing.

Listen to Shields' commentary. Related link: VPR's Vital Signs series.

National Sports Media Turn to Prof. McCann for Insight

Vermont Law School — 30 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST

The national media are increasingly turning to Professor Michael McCann for his insight into major sports issues, including the perjury trial of home run king Barry Bonds, the prospect of big-time college athletes getting paid, and the NFL's legal challenges. On one recent day, March 30, McCann spoke with The New York Times, USA Today, FRONTLINE and Sports Illustrated/CNN.

New York Times: Players Detail Dealings With Bonds's Trainer

USA Today: NCAA president: Time to discuss players getting sliver of revenue pie

FRONTLINE: Money & March Madness

Sports Illustrated/CNN Video: New Lawsuit Causes More Trouble for NFL

McCann, one of the nation's foremost experts on sports law, is director of the VLS Sports Law Institute. He also is a legal analyst for Sports Illustrated and a columnist for SI/CNN.com.

Prof. McCann Explores Barry Bonds' Trial for Sports Illustrated

Vermont Law School — 25 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST

In his latest Sports Illustrated column, Vermont Law School Professor Michael McCann shares his insights on the perjury trial of home run king Barry Bonds, who is being tried on charges in U.S. District Court in San Francisco that he lied to a federal grand jury in 2003 when he testified that he had never knowingly used steroids.

McCann, a nationally recognized sports law expert, is director of VLS's Sports Law Institute.

Prof. Bradford Discusses Japan's Nuclear Crisis with NPR, Financial Times, Other Media

Vermont Law School — 14 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST

In the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, media outlets are turning to Adjunct Professor Peter Bradford for his expertise in nuclear energy. Bradford, a former member of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, teaches nuclear power and public policy at VLS.

In the following news stories, Bradford offers insight on Japan's stricken nuclear power plants and the possible consequences for the U.S. nuclear industry:

NPR: Could Japan's Disaster Happen Here?

Financial Times: Scientists predict shift against nuclear power

MSNBC: Second nuclear meltdown likely under way in Japan, official says

Barron's: U.S. Nuclear Experts Comment on Japan Reactor Crisis

Prof. McCann Analyzes NFL Labor Impasse for Sports Illustrated

Vermont Law School — 14 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST

Professor Michael McCann provides the latest legal analysis in Sports Illustrated as a gridiron "nuclear winter" looms and the labor battle between NFL owners and players shifts from the negotiating table to the courtroom.

ESPN and other media outlets also are turning to McCann, a nationally recognized expert in sports law, for his insight into the NFL labor showdown.

Prof. Apel Discusses Compensating Surrogate Mothers

Vermont Law School — 08 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST

Professor Susan Apel recently wrote a column headlined "Why Compensating Surrogate Mothers is the Right Thing to Do" in the Bioethics Forum published by The Hastings Center. Read the column.

Prof. McCann Provides Legal Analysis of College Football and Crime in Sports Illustrated, CBS News Investigation

Vermont Law School — 03 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST

A six-month, groundbreaking investigation of college football and crime by Sports Illustrated and CBS News included legal analysis and investigative work by Prof. Michael McCann, especially regarding the Freedom of Information Act. Read the SI cover story. Watch the CBS News story.

Prof. Czarnezki's New Book Promotes "Everyday Environmentalism"

Vermont Law School — 03 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST

Prof. Jason Czarnezki's inspiring new book, "Everyday Environmentalism: Law, Nature, and Individual Behavior," addresses the small choices that individuals can make to have a positive effect on the natural world. It also suggests how lawmakers and government administrators at all levels, from local to national, can act to make a real difference. Czarnezki begins his book with a compelling description of the historical and contemporary forces in the U.S. that have led to a culture of "convenience, consumerism, and consumption." He then investigates the individual decisions that have the worst environmental impacts, particularly our household carbon "footprints" and our personal waste production. He also scrutinizes the ecological costs of our food choices and the environmental costs of urban and suburban sprawl. Finally, he examines the loss of biodiversity that results in part from our individual choices. The book is published by Island Press, which was established in 1984 to stimulate, shape, and communicate the ideas that are essential for solving environmental problems. Read more.

New York Times Reports VLS's Stance on Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Vermont Law School — 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

In a Jan. 27 story on President Obama's State of the Union address in which he called for more military recruiters on campus, The New York Times discussed Vermont Law School's stance as one of only two law schools in the nation to bar military recruiters from campus because of the "don't ask, don't tell" law. The law is slated to be repealed later this year.

McCann Analyzes Wilpon-Madoff Lawsuit and Impact on New York Mets

Vermont Law School — 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

In his latest SI.com column, Professor Michael McCann examines the complaint filed by victims of Bernie Madoff against New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon and what it means for the future of the Mets.

Parenteau Explores EPA's Greenhouse Gas Rules with Living on Earth

Vermont Law School — 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST

Professor Pat Parenteau tells Living on Earth that new EPA rules will mean a large reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but the agency faces an uphill battle against industry, a number of states and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Listen to the story.

McCann Analyzes Upcoming Trial of Home Run King Barry Bonds

Vermont Law School — 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST

In his latest SI.com column, Professor Michael McCann examines the upcoming trial of home run king Barry Bonds on 11 counts of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying under oath about using steroids. Read the article.

Vermont Law School Gains Worldwide Profile as the "Environmental Law School"

Vermont Law School — 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST

In a story headlined "Vermont Law School gains worldwide profile as the 'Environmental Law School'," the Burlington Free Press talked to ELC faculty, students and alumni about VLS' growing reputation for producing top-notch lawyers who specialize in environmental and natural resource issues. Read the article.

ELC's Top 10 Environmental Watch List Draws National Attention

Vermont Law School — 11 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST

The Top 10 Environmental Watch List, a collaboration between the Environmental Law Center faculty and Vermont Journal of Environmental Law students, has drawn nationwide media coverage for its insightful analysis of the top environmental law and policy issues of 2010-2011. Read the Watch List.

McCann Explores Legality of BCS in Sports Illustrated

Vermont Law School — 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST

Professor Michael McCann examined the legality of college football's BCS system in his latest column in SI.com. Read more.

Parenteau Discusses Climate Change on VPR

Vermont Law School — 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST

Professor Pat Parenteau discussed what states and cities can do about climate change on VPR's Vermont Edition on Dec. 1. Listen to the story.

Mears Named Vermont DEC Commissioner

Vermont Law School — 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST

Associate Professor David Mears, a national leader in environmental law, was appointed by Vermont Gov.-elect Peter Shumlin as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation on Dec. 6. Read more.

Dworkin, Cooper Discuss Vermont Yankee's Potential Sale

Vermont Law School — 11 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST

VPR talked to Professor Michael Dworkin and Mark Cooper with the VLS Institute for Energy and the Environment about the political and financial obstacles that Entergy Corporation faces as it tries to sell the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. Listen to the story.

Bradford Says "Nuclear Renaissance" Fails Economic Test.

Vermont Law School — 27 Oct 2010 04:00:00 EST

In an article titled "Honey, I Shrunk the Renaissance: Nuclear Revival, Climate Change, and Reality," Peter Bradford, senior research fellow and adjunct professor, argues that the "nuclear renaissance" has proven to be a promotion that cannot pass economic muster. If taxpayer support for a few first mover reactors won't lead to meaningful climate legislation, it's time to pull the plug, he says. Read the article published in Electricity Policy.

Oakes Classroom Named for Stephanie Willbanks

Vermont Law School — 24 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST

VLS has renamed Oakes Hall Room 012 as the "Stephanie Willbanks Classroom" in honor of Professor Willbanks for her years of service and contributions as a vice dean and faculty member. Willbanks, who is an expert in federal transfer taxation as well as wills and trusts, joined the VLS faculty in 1981. In 1986, she became the first female faculty member to receive tenure at Vermont Law School. She served as associate dean for Academic Affairs from 1989 to 1994 and from 1997 to 2002, and as vice dean for Academic Affairs from 2005 to 2009.

Goodenough Discusses Digital Entrepreneurship

Vermont Law School — 06 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST

In a podcast for the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School, VLS Professor Oliver Goodenough dscussed digital entrepreneurs, the evolution of business law, setting your shingle out in the 21st century and a new initiative he's been working on with the state of Vermont to let new businesses function online. Listen to the podcast.

Hanna Urges Lawyers to Reflect

Vermont Law School — 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 EST

Professor Cheryl Hanna recently gave the keynote address at the Vermont Justice Association's 2010 annual meeting. In a speech titled "Doing Ourselves Justice: (Re) Committing to a Life of the Law," she urged lawyers to be "reflective practitioners": To tell the story of why they became lawyers, to remain committed to their values, to learn gratitude, and to take heed of two of her legal heroes - the civil rights pioneer Charles Hamilton Houston and Erin Woolley '10, who received her JD degree posthumously in May. Hamilton and Woolley lived, and died, "fighting for justice, and grateful to be travelling the path of the law."

"Lawyers are the guardians of democracy," Hanna told her audience. "One-third of our constitutional democracy is solely entrusted to our care. We stop human suffering at the hands of injustice. That is hard work, and often thankless work, but is the work we are compelled by our own stories to do. There are few professions in the world that are nobler, or more necessary to the promotion of human dignity, than this one."

Hanna cited Houston's famous quote - "I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees." Then she concluded: "So I encourage you to tell your stories, to know who you are, and to bear to witness to human suffering at the hands of injustice that we, as lawyers, are compelled to end. And most importantly, I implore you, proudly stand up, so that when you die, because you inevitably will die, that you will gratefully and graciously be standing on your feet."

Hanna's paper has been accepted for publication in the Vermont Law Review.

Land Use Institute Hosts APA Webinar

Vermont Law School — 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 EST

The Land Use Institute recently was host coordinator to a national American Planning Association (APA) webinar -- the 2010 Planning Law Review. Dwight Merriam, summer adjunct faculty, was one of the panelists. He referenced a paper by VLS student Dana Christiansen during the webinar and included it in the web resources provided by APA to all participants. Christiansen completed the paper in his summer class this past June on urban agriculture in Detroit.

McCann Discusses NCAA Lawsuit with The New York Times

Vermont Law School — 21 May 2010 04:00:00 EST

Professor Michael McCann talked to The New York Times for a Feb. 8 story on a class-action anti-trust lawsuit against the NCAA. To read the story, click here.

Echeverria Speaks to AP about Northwest Water Dispute

Vermont Law School — 21 May 2010 04:00:00 EST

In an Associated Press story on March 11 that ran in The Oregonian and other news outlets across the West, Professor John Echeverria commented on an Oregon Supreme Court ruling on the Klamath Basin water dispute. To read the story, click here.

Dennis Heads Pro Bono Project for Katrina Victims

Vermont Law School — 21 May 2010 04:00:00 EST

Associate Professor Johanna Dennis organized a a group of 20 VLS students who spent two weeks in New Orleans in May on a pro bono legal assistance and research project to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina. The students helped needy residents with a range of legal issues, including real estate, health care, estate, education and gentrification. Read the full release.

U.S.-China Partnership Chief Joins EPA

Vermont Law School — 21 May 2010 04:00:00 EST

President Obama has appointed Professor Tseming Yang, director of Vermont Law School's U.S.-China Partnership for Environmental Law, to serve as deputy general counsel for international affairs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He will be on a leave of absence from VLS during his time at the EPA. His successor as director of the U.S.-China Partnership is Assistant Professor Siu Tip Lam, who was promoted from deputy director. Read the full press release.

Johnson Takes Lead Role in Marriage Equality Conference

Vermont Law School — 06 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST

Professor Greg Johnson, an expert in sexual orientation and the law, will chair a panel discussion at "The Law and Politics of Marriage Equality: Vermont, The Nation and the World" conference on April 15 and 16 at VLS and the University of Vermont. The conference will mark the 10th and first anniversaries, respectively, of civil unions and legal marriage for same-sex couples in Vermont.

Willbanks Elected to American Law Institute

Vermont Law School — 05 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST

Professor Stephanie Willbanks was recently elected to the American Law Institute. She was one of 54 newly elected members of ALI, raising its total membership to 4,274. ALI, which is made up of lawyers, judges and law professors, produces scholarly work to clarify and modernize the law.

Czarnezki Named Earthcast 2010 Keynote Speaker

Vermont Law School — 05 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST

Professor Jason Czarnezki has been selected as the keynote speaker for Earthcast 2010, a live, 24-hour webcast starting at 8 p.m., EST, April 21 or 0:00 GMT on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. The event is hosted by Earthbridges.net. For more information, go to: http://earthbridges.net/

ABA Journal Cites Professor Czarnezki's Blog

Vermont Law School — 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST

Empirical Legal Studies, a blog co-founded by Professor Jason Czarnezki, again made the annual ABA Journal Blawg 100 list, the best legal blogs as selected by the Journal's editors. The ELS blog is a collaborative project founded by Czarnezki, professors Michael Heise and Theodore Eisenberg of Cornell Law School, and William Ford of the John Marshall Law School.

Vermont Law School Faculty Leadership in The Association of American Law Schools

Vermont Law School — 05 Feb 2010 21:08:46 EST

Vermont Law School faculty members continue to provide leadership within The Association of American Law Schools.

Jason Czarnezki is the new Treasurer of the Section on Natural Resources Law.

Tim Duane has joined the Executive Committee of the Section on Environmental Law.

Stephen Dycus was elected this year to be Secretary of the Section on National Security Law. He also served as chair of this section 2003-05.

Stephanie Farrior was elected this year to the Executive Committee of the Section on International Law, this time as Treasurer. She was also identified as one of the "Two Future Key Leaders" of the Section on International Law to be invited to the AALS Meeting of Section Officers.

Jackie Gardina was appointed, by the AALS President, to the Government Relations Committee. Professor Gardina is also on the Executive Committee of the Section on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues. She chaired the Mid-Year Professional Development Committee for that Section. The Committee's proposal "Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and the Evolving American Family" was chosen by the AALS Executive Committee to be the AALS plenary session on the first day of the January 2011 Annual Meeting.

Oliver Goodenough is on the Executive Committee for the new Section on Biolaw. He was a presenter this year for that section.

Cheryl Hanna has presented at AALS New Law Teacher's Conference for six of the last nine years.

Michael McCann is a member of the Executive Committee of the Section on Law and Sports. He also served as chair of this section in 2008.

Philip Meyer has given eight presentations at the AALS Annual Meeting during the past 14 years, including a mini-workshop on Narrative and the Law (with Jim Elkins) and presentations for various sections: Law and Humanities (two times), Clinical and Legal Writing sections combined (one time), and the Legal Writing section (four times). Professor Meyer has also organized and edited papers from four of the panels that were published as law review symposia. He is Past Chair of the AALS Section on Law and Humanities and continues to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of this section.

Linda Smiddy has been an invited (by the AALS Executive Board) member of the AALS Committee on International Cooperation for the past three years. (The Committee was formed to advise AALS and its executive director on how AALS can support law school international programs.)

Joan Vogel will be a panelist on Admiralty at the next AALS meeting discussing the influence of admiralty law on tort law. She is also a member of the AALS Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure until 2012.

Stephanie Willbanks presented at the AALS Site Inspector's Workshop and served on the Membership Review Committee in 2006. She also served as the AALS Reporter on the ABA/AALS inspection of Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law in 2010.

Kinvin Wroth cofounded the Section on North American Cooperation, which he chaired in 1983-84, 1991, 1994, and 2007; and Council, 2008, 2009. Professor Wroth served as Chair of the Committee on Government Relations in 2007-08. He was a member of the joint ABA/AALS site inspection teams: University of Toledo College of Law, 2007 (AALS Reporter); Washburn University School of Law, 2008 (Chair); Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2010 (AALS Reporter). He as also served on the AALS House of Representatives as a VLS representative or alternate, 2005-10.

Professor Cheryl Hanna's latest VPR commentary

Vermont Law School — 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

In her VPR commentary on Dec. 31, Professor Cheryl Hanna discussed one family's effort to toughen Vermont's DUI law.

Associate Professor Michael McCann Speaks to the AP about a Major League Baseball Dispute

Vermont Law School — 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Associate Professor Michael McCann spoke to the Associated Press on Dec. 16 about a contract dispute involving a Cuban defector who wants to play major league baseball.

Professor John Echeverria Speaks to The New York Times about a Supreme Court case in Fla.

Vermont Law School — 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Professor John Echeverria spoke to The New York Times on Dec. 2 about a U.S. Supreme Court case involving a regulatory takings dispute on Florida's beaches.

Prof. Parenteau Discusses Climate Change Education with New York Times

Vermont Law School — 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Professor Pat Parenteau spoke to The New York Times on Dec. 1 about the challenges that law schools face in educating students in the burgeoning specialty of climate change law and policy.

Associate Dean Shirley Jefferson Appears on NECN

Vermont Law School — 20 Nov 2009 20:20:43 EST

Associate Dean for Student Affairs Shirley Jefferson was interviewed by New England Cable News reporter Anya Hunekefor a story that details Dean J's life experiences at VLS and beyond. This story originally aired on NECN on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

Prof. Echeverria Weighs in on Supreme Court Case in New York Times Article

Vermont Law School — 08 Oct 2009 18:56:30 EST

Professor John Echeverria was quoted in an October 6, 2009 New York Times article that examines a regulatory takings case currently before the Supreme Court. Read the article at nytimes.com.

New Dean Guides Academics at Vermont Law School

Vermont Law School — 16 Sep 2009 17:22:45 EST

Vermont Law School announces the appointment of Professor Gil Kujovich as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2009. Professor Kujovich will replace Vice Dean Stephanie Willbanks, who will return to full-time teaching and scholarship at VLS.The vice dean focuses on developing faculty potential in scholarship and teaching, while catalyzing the continuing evolution of legal education for students. More...

IEE Report Outlines Effects of Expansion of U.S. Nuclear Industry

Vermont Law School — 16 Sep 2009 16:20:35 EST

Dr. Mark Cooper, the Institute for Energy and the Environment's Senior Fellow for Economic Analysis, presented the results of a study on potential economic effects of expansion of the U.S. nuclear industry, as reported on June 18 in multiple industry news outlets, including CNN Money and Your Industry News. Access a PDF of Cooper's report and audio from the press event at the IEE's website. The report sparked commentary on both sides of the issue in blogs and other online publications such as Counter Punch, The Free Press (not the Burlington newspaper), the Nuclear Green blog, and NEI Nuclear Notes (note: erroneously referred to as "Mark Miller").

Prof. McCann Discusses Perjury Charges Related to MLB Steriod Use

Vermont Law School — 08 Sep 2009 18:27:26 EST

Professor Michael McCann discusses, in his June 16 SI.com column, the potential of perjury charges against players like Sammy Sosa in the ongoing investigation of steroid use in MLB. Professor McCann's article is further discussed in a Wall Street Journal blog. Professor McCann's June 15 SI.com piece explores the possibilities of NFL sanctions against player Plaxico Burress before his trial September on criminal charges from an incident in November 2008.

Ruth Rubio Marin Speaks on Her Recent Book, The Gender of Reparations

Vermont Law School — 29 Aug 2009 18:33:13 EST

Book launch: The Gender of Reparations

Vermont Law School recently hosted a Book Launch and book signing by Ruth Rubio-Marín, editor of The Gender of Reparations: Unsettling Sexual Hierarchies while Addressing Remedies for Human Rights Violations (Cambridge University Press). At the book launch, she discussed the reparations project and took questions from the audience. Ruth Rubio-Marín holds the Chair in Constitutional Law at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, and has a tenured position in constitutional law at the University of Seville. She has been teaching a seminar at Vermont Law School on Comparative Constitutional Law for the past seven years.