Juris Features

For Pitt’s sake! Fix the Jones Act! – How Pittsburgh’s economic future hangs in the balance of an 100-year-old law

For Pitt’s sake! Fix the Jones Act! – How Pittsburgh’s economic future hangs in the balance of an 100-year-old law

Photo Courtesy of pixabay.com By Ed Walsh, Blog Editor For most of its history, Pittsburgh has been a center of industry and commerce. From its early days as a trading post along the early American frontier to its industrial boom days as the steel capital of the world, Pittsburgh’s has […]

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Competing Standards for Character Evidence Testimony

Competing Standards for Character Evidence Testimony

By John Brophy, Features Editor Photo Courtesy of Unsplash.com The rules for character evidence both federally and in Pennsylvania are inadequate.  Currently, Pennsylvania restricts character evidence testimony to reputation only, while the federal standard permits character evidence in the form of opinion testimony. Character evidence is critically important in criminal […]

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Charter Schools Facing Questions Regarding Constitutionality

Charter Schools Facing Questions Regarding Constitutionality

By Mia Holtzein-Sirman, Staff Writer Photo courtesy of pixabay.com Charter schools are publicly funded yet independently run. This means they rely on government funding but are not required to adhere to a state’s curriculum or standards. Charter schools were conceived to allow more flexibility in teaching styles and curriculum planning.[1] They […]

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GRExit Philosophy Gains Momentum 

GRExit Philosophy Gains Momentum 

By Regan Jarvis, Feature Editor Photo courtesy of unsplash.com Beginning in 2025, law school applicants may no longer be required to take the Law School Admissions Test (“LSAT”).[1] This decision was determined by a vote by the American Bar Association (“ABA”), after a longstanding debate on the merits of the exam.[2] The […]

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Lifting the Ban on Pell Grants; Making Education Accessible in Prison

Lifting the Ban on Pell Grants; Making Education Accessible in Prison

By Felicia Dusha, Feature Editor Photo courtesy of unsplash.com In December 2020, Congress voted to restore Pell Grants for incarcerated students after a 26-year ban.[1] Beginning July 1, 2023, over 700,000 incarcerated adults will become Pell Grant eligible.[2] This will enable students who are enrolled in eligible prison educational programs to pursue […]

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