FlaLaw » 2001 » April » 23

Juvenile Mediation Clinic Receives National Recognition

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:06:16 +0000

The Juvenile Mediation Clinic was one of 26 organizations recently honored by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) for its work with area youth. According to NCCD officials, the 5th Annual New American Community Awards honored media representatives, individuals and community groups that “embody the concept of the New American Community – citizens coming together to inspire hope and participation, working to find solutions to social justice problems in their communities.” The Juvenile Mediation Clinic, honored as a community group, is funded in part by a grant from the Jesse Ball duPont Foundation. It is a training program for law students who, after intensive instruction and completion of the Florida Supreme Court County Mediator Certification Program, carry out mediations and provide training to youth in schools and juvenile justice programs. The Clinic’s students teach conflict resolution skills to girls incarcerated at Halfway House, and to students at PACE and Horizons/New Pathways. In addition, the program utilizes community volunteers and law students to mediate property crimes. Youth who are first-time offenders in a property-related crime are given an opportunity to “work out” their punishment with the crime victims. Using techniques of mediation and restorative justice – which promotes opportunities for those affected by a crime (victims, offenders and their communities) to be involved in its resolution – the program’s goal is to force the offender to face the consequences of his or her actions by interacting with the victim. Also, by participating in the resolution (often helping to decide their own punishment), offenders learn more constructive ways of handling conflict. “This approach stresses accountability with the offenders. It gives their crime a human dimension, and shows them that thoughtless acts can hurt another person,” says Associate Clinical Professor Alison Gerenscer, Supervising Attorney of the Juvenile Mediation Clinic. “At the same time, it empowers the victims by giving them a voice in the process of restitution.” Currently, there are eight law students, the maximum number, enrolled in the one-semester program. “But we have a waiting list of about 30 students,” Gerenscer said. “Our clinic is always very popular.” Gerenscer said the program is valuable to law students because it provides them with an opportunity to practice legal techniques while gaining insightful community service. “The award-winners see solutions and get involved,” said NCCD president Barry Krisberg. “This award honors their courage and perseverance. They hold the key to safer futures for our communities.” NCCD is the nation’s oldest private organization working to attain responsive and effective criminal and juvenile justice systems. It has been committed for more than nine decades to promoting justice strategies that are fair, humane, cost effective and uncompromising in public safety.

Conservation Clinic Helps U.S. 441 Gain Scenic Highway Designation

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:03:26 +0000

After four semesters of Conservation Clinic assistance to the Scenic 441 Corridor Advocacy Group, the Florida Department of Transportation recently issued its intent to grant scenic highway status to U.S. 441 and its loop/spur roads in Southern Alachua County. Clinic students from the law school worked in an interdisciplinary format with students from the Departments of Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning to prepare the initial eligibility application and land use and zoning analysis, form and facilitate meetings of the Scenic 441 Corridor Advocacy Group, and develop a “legal tool box” of protection techniques within the highway corridor that was incorporated into the approved management plan. In addition to providing protection for scenic resources, scenic highway status makes the road section eligible for specially earmarked state and federal funds.

Faculty in the spotlight: Noah

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:02:00 +0000

Professor Lars Noah will publish “A Miscarriage in the Drug Approval Process?: Mifepristone Embroils the FDA in Abortion Politics” in the Wake Forest Law Review. In addition, he will speak on a panel entitled “Biotechnology: Balancing Innovation and Access” (co-sponsored by the sections on health law and intellectual property) at the next annual meeting of the Association of American Law Schools.

Faculty in the spotlight: Rambo & Pflaum

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:00:15 +0000

Professors Teresa Rambo and Leanne Pflaum recently published Legal Writing by Design: A Guide to Great Briefs and Memos (Carolina Academic Press).

Faculty promoted: Dilley, Malavet, Wright

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 15:58:19 +0000

Associate Professor Patricia Dilley has been promoted to full professor, and Assistant Professors Pedro Malavet and Danaya Wright to Associate Professors (all pending Board of Regents final approval). Dilley and Malvet have been approved for tenure.

Law Students Help During Tax Season Through VITA

wsmitty@ufl.edu — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 15:53:56 +0000

This tax season, 16 law school students lent their expertise to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program – an IRS-sponsored program that provides students and low-income taxpayers with assistance. The local VITA program ran at the law school Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 12. It was coordinated by law students Brian Arthur and Mark Loerzel, with guidance from law faculty advisor Gregg Polsky, who teaches taxation and accounting. Sanctioned by the American Bar Association, VITA gives law students an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience by working with and counseling clients. It also keeps them abreast of current income tax regulations through training provided by the IRS. Hours logged by the student volunteers qualify for credit in the law school’s pro bono certificate program. “This experience has been valuable,” Arthur said, “both in practicing and improving my tax skills, and in the gratification I’ve received from helping out individuals who cannot afford costly tax assistance and advice. We’ve helped more than 190 students and low-income filers.” Students participating included Arthur, Mackenson Bernard, Corey Cho, Frederick Dauley, Amy Denton, Rose Drupiewski, Maea “Alex” Guevara, Brian Harris, Wes Harvin, Kim Howard, Scott Johnson, Kurian Koshy, Shelly Llewellyn, Loerzel, Jimmy Parado and Allen Winsor.