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 […]
Features Articles
Holistic Defense: A New Model of Legal Advocacy
By Felicia Dusha, Editor-in-Chief Photo courtesy of pixabay.com While it is generally understood that criminal convictions can lead to traditional forms of punishment such as incarceration, monetary fines, and supervision following or in lieu of incarceration, what is less known is that criminal convictions, or mere criminal charges, can carry […]
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 […]
Should Creative Expression be Admissible Evidence at Trial?
By Jack Bradley, Blog Editor Photo Courtesy of Pixels The admissibility of forms of creative expression in criminal trials is a challenging issue that must strike a delicate balance between justice and artistic freedom.[1] In the past few years, several popular rap artists, such as Young Thug, Gunna, and YNW […]
Oregon and California Petitioning for Bar Examination Alternatives
By Amelia Trello, Features Editor Photo courtesy of pixabay.com Pennsylvania bar examination results for the July exam are released in mid-October.[1] Until the release date, law school graduates around the state anxiously wait to see if the last three years of schooling and subsequent three months of studying paid off. […]
The Unique Problem with Student Debt in Law School
By John Brophy, Staff Writer Photo courtesy of pixabay.com Nobody wants to admit it, but employment search in law school is an ends-driven system, which drives students to pursue jobs that will pay the bills, rather than what they can contribute to the profession. In 2020, the American Bar Association […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
State and Federal Bodies Address the Teacher Shortage
By Jacob Schramm, Feature Editor Photo courtesy of unsplash.com Celebrities, athletes, scientists, and politicians, including former President Barack Obama, have commented on the impact that teachers have made on their lives.[1] Bill Gates credited his fourth-grade English teacher with stoking his passion for learning at a pivotal time in his life, […]