Events Calendar

This speaker series considers the criminalization of reproduction—historical and contemporary, local and global—largely through the lens of reproductive justice.

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Abstract: People with disabilities face structural, legal, and institutional barriers to accessing reproductive health services and information, including contraception and abortion care. They also experience high rates of violence and reproductive coercion, as well as stigma and discrimination from health providers. They are more likely to experience maternal morbidity and mortality, rendering pregnancy particularly dangerous for some. Mounting abortion restrictions after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization will result in some disabled people being forced to carry pregnancies to term, notwithstanding serious health risks. Should they choose to raise their children after childbirth, they will likely encounter ongoing threats to their parental rights because of laws, policies, and practices that assume incompetence among disabled parents. Thus, the ruling creates a paradox for disabled people where they may be forced to bear children but subsequently denied the opportunity to rear them, perpetuating a historical pattern of exploitation and subjugation. This paper identifies and responds to this paradox by providing and applying a disability reproductive justice framework.

Robyn Powell is Professor of Law at Stetson University. Her work examines the intersection of disability justice and reproductive justice, with a focus on disability law and policy, health law and policy, and family law. She is a leading authority on the rights of parents with disabilities and has served as an Attorney-Advisor at the National Council on Disability. Her forthcoming publications include “Disabling Abortion Bans” (UC Davis Law Review) and “Forced to Bear, Denied to Rear: The Cruelty of Dobbs for Disabled People” (Georgetown Law Journal). She received a Ph.D. and M.A. in Social Policy from Brandeis University, a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, and a B.S. in Social Work from Bridgewater State University.

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/09/23/78350/

Join CHLLSA as we host attorneys from different legal practice areas to hear about their work in the legal industry. This panel is geared toward first-generation students who want to learn more about the different practice areas in the legal community, but all are welcome to join and ask questions over free lunch!

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/09/25/78730/

Opposing Wisconsin's Unconstitutional Hunter Protection Laws

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/09/26/79260/

Tailgate on George's Patio to bring Plaintiffs' side attorneys and interested students together to celebrate Longhorn Football's debut in the SEC.

Note that kickoff for the game hasn't been announced yet so I put noon - 2 for now but that might need to be adjusted down the line.

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/09/28/79063/

Join us for an insightful workshop on animal law, where we delve into a compelling California case involving Cedar, a cherished goat whose life was disrupted by law enforcement actions despite the wishes of his dedicated caretakers. This case highlights critical issues in animal protection.

Our expert for the session, Vanessa Shakib, is a leading figure in animal law and government accountability. Her impressive background includes extensive coverage by major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and the New York Times. Vanessa is the co-founder and co-director of Advancing Law for Animals, a pioneering non-profit law firm dedicated to advocating for animals in research and industrial food production. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School, where she has been recognized as the 2022-2023 Adjunct Professor of the Year.

(Vegan lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to ensure your spot and meal.)

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/10/02/79133/

From Execution Date to Release Date: The Story of Clinton Young

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Clinton Young, a former Texas death row inmate who spent 18 years in solitary confinement for a crime he insists he didn’t commit. Convicted of two murders at the age of 19, Clinton was sentenced to death in 2003, largely based on the testimony of his co-defendants—testimony that was later proven false.

In September 2021, Clinton’s conviction and death sentence were overturned by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals due to shocking prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecutor, while working on Clinton’s case, was also secretly serving as a law clerk for the judges who presided over the trial. This blatant violation of due process led to Clinton's release on bond in January 2022, making him the first former death row inmate to secure release on bond. He now awaits a new trial.

This event offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the flaws in the criminal justice system, wrongful convictions, and the fight for justice. Clinton’s case exemplifies critical legal issues surrounding due process violations, prosecutorial misconduct, and the resilience required to survive on death row.

Don’t miss this powerful session that will provide unique insight into the life of someone wrongfully convicted and highlight the crucial role lawyers play in fighting for justice.

**Food will be provided**

Date: October 3, 2024 Time: 11:50 AM - 2:00 PM Location: CCJ 2.306 - Eidman Courtroom Hosted by: The Capital Punishment Clinic/Center

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/10/03/79176/

Join alumni, prospective students, and friends for paella, drinks and networking! Hosted by Trey Martinez JD '96 and Rolando Rubiano BS '93, with paella from Ralph Vela, CEO Workforce Solutions Cameron and award-winning paella chef.

Full event information: https://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2024/10/03/78170/