Albie Sachs, a former justice for the Constitutional Court of South Africa who has fought for human rights, spoke at UF Law on Tuesday about gay marriage. (Photo by Maggie Powers)

By Jenna Box (3JM)
Student Writer

A quiet hum of voices filled the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, at about noon on Tuesday. Albie Sachs sat on a table at the front of the room, wearing a gold-patterned shirt and a calm expression. His right sleeve hung empty beside his body—a symbol of the lifelong battle he’s fought for human rights.

The 78-year-old former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa spoke about gay marriage. It was also the opening day of the U.S. Supreme Court’s hearing of arguments about two cases involving same-sex marriage.

Even before he served on the Constitutional Court, Sachs was known as an advocate against racism, repression and apartheid. He was imprisoned, tortured and banned for his freedom fighting, but he wasn’t silenced.

In 1988, a car bomb placed by South African security agents blew up when he opened his door, causing him to lose his right arm and vision in one eye.

On Tuesday, Sachs shared stories from his experience on the Constitutional Court and his thoughts about the opinion he wrote in a case that legalized same-sex marriage in South Africa in 2005.

“Probably the strongest statement to appear in any judgment or opinion in recent years about the importance of religion in public life for millions and millions of people all around the world came from my pen in that judgment,” he said. “The very constitution that protects the rights of same-sex couples to express their love and intimacy and commitment in the same way heterosexual couples do protects the rights of faith communities to follow their faiths in the way that they want to do.”

Far too often, differences have been used as a weapon to separate, he continued. Cultural wars arise from people imposing their world views on others, instead of showing respect. What could be more important, he asked, than to allow people to be who they are?

“What do I think the U.S. Supreme Court will do?” he said. “I think they will give an opinion.”

The audience laughed.

“I imagine all the talents or otherwise of the nine justices are going to be challenged and tested now,” he said.

After the talk, Sachs signed copies of two of his books, which are still available for purchase in the UF Law Bookstore.

“I thought the talk was a great success. Albie related the issue of gay marriage to his own life experiences in a way that brought home the important dignity interests at stake, not only for gay and lesbian couples, but also for those who oppose gay marriage on religious grounds,” said UF Law Senior Legal Skills Professor Joseph Jackson, who introduced Sachs. “He’s had a truly remarkable life, full of courage and commitment in the face of great adversity, and it was inspiring to hear him speak.”

“Gay Marriage and the Promise of Equality” was co-sponsored by UF Law’s Center on Children and Families and UF’s Center for African Studies.

“Gay Marriage and the Promise of Equality” will be at noon in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, with a book signing immediately following. The talk is free and open to the public. Parking restrictions in the green areas at the law school will be lifted for the event.

Sachs’ career as a human rights activist started in his student days at the University of Cape Town, when he took part in the Defiance of Unjust Laws Campaign. He devoted his law practice to defending people charged under racist statutes and repressive security laws. Many faced the death sentence. He himself was raided by the security police, subjected to banning orders restricting his movement and eventually placed in solitary confinement without trial for two prolonged spells of detention. In 1988, Sachs was the victim of a car bomb attack carried out by South African security agents, losing an arm and the sight of one eye.

During the 1980s and early 1990s Sachs was centrally involved in drafting the African National Congress’ proposed constitution for a new democratic South Africa. As a member of the Constitutional Committee and the national executive of the ANC he took an active part in the negotiations which led to South Africa becoming a constitutional democracy. He was appointed by President Nelson Mandela in 1994 to serve on the newly established Constitutional Court, and in 2005 he authored the court’s landmark decision requiring legal recognition of gay marriage in South Africa.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Albie Sachs speak at UF,” said UF Law Senior Legal Skills Professor Joseph Jackson. “He’s a remarkable person and a major player in the constitutional transformation of South Africa, who has helped that country heal the divisions of the past.”

Sachs’ talk is co-sponsored by UF Law’s Center on Children and Families and UF’s Center for African Studies.

Sachs will also be giving a talk at the Center for African Studies at 4 p.m. titled, “Combating Corruption: Kenya’s Efforts to Judge its Judges.” Visit the African Studies website for complete details, http://web.africa.ufl.edu/.

Costa Rica

By Francie Weinberg
Student writer

The University of Florida Levin College of Law study abroad and exchange programs allow students to venture to the corners of the earth for beautiful views, delicious food and an international perspective on the law.

Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, South Africa or France. The only prerequisites are that students have completed one year of law school and are in good standing with the college. Programs are six weeks long and allow students to earn up to six credits.

Costa Rica, focusing mainly on environmental and international law, is situated in San Jose. It gives students the opportunity to explore the rainforests and rolling rivers while learning in a cross-cultural environment. The France program begins in Paris and then moves to Montpellier for the next four weeks. The program emphasizes business law and allows students to travel throughout Europe if they so desire. The South Africa program, offered again after a two-year hiatus, is set at the University of Cape Town, thought to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offers a community service aspect in addition to regular courses.

“There are also native students who participate in all three of the programs,” said Michelle Ocepek, UF Law director of student programs. “Not every program offers that. Sometimes it’s just a group of Americans that show up to study, but in ours we try and do field trips and include local students so we can get more of the culture.”

Many students classify their study abroad trips as one of their best and most memorable college experiences. It allows them an opportunity to broaden their circle of friends, see the world and get to know the professors on a level they would not achieve in a classroom setting.

“The trip is really an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture, rather than just experience France as a tourist,” said Adam Nicoll, a second-year law student. “Every morning I woke up and had breakfast before class at a little cafe around the corner from the university.  After a week of butchering the French pronunciation of ‘croissant’ and ‘cafe crème’ I established myself as a regular there and didn’t even need to order anymore; the couple that owned the cafe would just bring it over upon seeing me sit down. I didn’t get to just see the sights; I got to really know the culture.”

The faculty rotates on a year-to-year basis in order to keep the programs as up-to-date and modern as possible.

“I truly believe the program was made by the presence of our UF faculty members,” said Olivia Liggio, a second-year law student. “They really encouraged us to explore and experience our surroundings by planning excursions and they even helped us to figure out how to see the Tour de France, which was passing through a town nearby.”

Students must apply for the Costa Rica program with a letter of interest and a resume but France and South Africa are on a first-come, first-served basis. The second interest meeting will be in January. Additionally, if students wish to earn up to the full eight credits allowed during the summer, they may couple the study abroad trip with a class, an internship or an externship upon their return home.

The college also offers nine exchange programs around the world: Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; Tel Aviv University, Israel; Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; Leiden University, The Netherlands; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Pontificia Universidade Catolica-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Montpellier, France; and University of Warsaw, Poland.

These programs are a semester long and students go without the accompaniment of a faculty member. All of the exchanges are ABA-approved and students can earn up to one-third of their credits overseas. It is an opportunity to be immersed in the culture as well as improve language skills, as classes are often mostly native students rather than others participating in exchange programs. If students do not see a country or program they would like to participate in, they are allowed to participate in other ABA-schools’ programs.

The exchange programs offer new and different coursework for students, as well as a chance to make international connections and to learn a variety of perspectives about the law. There is also financial aid available.

“If students have a goal of studying abroad during their law career, it is best that they start early,” Ocepek said. “That way they can plan and they can be intentional about fitting it in to their legal career. I think it’s really easy to think that three years is a long time but it goes really quickly.”

For more information, visit http://www.law.ufl.edu/academics/academic-programs/study-abroad or contact Michelle Ocepek at 352-273-0620 or ocepek@law.ufl.edu.

Ali Wender (3L) rides an ostrich at a farm in South Africa during her summer study abroad trip in 2010.

By Ali Wender
Guest writer

When first asked to a write a brief article about my summer study abroad through the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law Program at the University of Cape Town (affectionately known as UCT), I was oddly motivated. Even two years later I was still eager to share my experience with whoever would listen. However, I have never been good at giving the abridged version of things, and those who know me can attest to my long-winded chronicles of my extraordinary summer spent in South Africa.

After scouring old emails from that summer, in the hopes of narrowing down some highlights, I figured the most accurate portrayal of my experience would be to make public an email I sent to friends when I first arrived in Cape Town. I apologize in advance for the glaring spelling/grammar errors and often bordering on a little T.M.I., but you wanted to know, or at least found yourself bored in class reading FlaLaw Online.

Sent June 30, 2010

“Mis amigos favoritos! Now I apologize for the dreaded mass email but given that there are cheetahs to see, ostrich to ride, mountains to climb, World Cup games to sneak into, bungee jumps to dominate, sharks to dive with, penguins to cuddle with, and mostly because I am dying to share with everybody, but could not send the individual emails that everyone so deserves, this email narrating my misadventures thus far, will just have to do.

26 hours, 3 flights, crying babies, screaming soccer fans, middle seats, bad airplane food, numerous mini bottles of wine, and 2 sleeping pills later, I arrived safe and somewhat sound to Cape Town. Next time, please someone remind me that in fact I am not a hippie backpacker and should splurge for the nonstop flight.

But, it was all worth it. Cape Town is a beautiful city, surrounded by the ominous Table Mountain engulfed in between two oceans, the Atlantic and Indian. Cape Town is like most modern cities, not at all what you think of when you think of Africa, Africa. Its winter here so clearly as a Floridian I packed flip flops, and shorts for which I am constantly inappropriately dressed.

I am staying in this little university suburb called Rondebosch (10 minute cab ride from downtown) right near the University of Cape Town, and it reminds me of any university area: cheap restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and is very safe especially during the day. I’ve been going nonstop since I got here so I haven’t explored as much as I’d like and then there is always a soccer game to go to. I went to my first World Cup game Italy v. Paraguay it was insane. If you have been watching any of the games you are sure to hear the screeching of the vuvuzelas, which are nonstop every morning at 6 a.m., a lovely wake-up call.

This past weekend, the motley crew, a group of 20 law students from all over the country, went on a vineyard tour of Stellenbosch Valley which incorporates over 30 wineries; each with its own unique blend of grapes and farm to fresh restaurants situated intimately within the vineyards. The following day, a group of us from the program organized a drive down the Garden Route; picture Southern California’s Pacific Coast highway but more exotic. Along the way we stopped at little beach towns until reaching our final destination to Boulkran’s bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump (and yes you will each be receiving a complimentary copy of my bungee DVD.). After 30 seconds of pure adrenalin, we spent the night in a local campsite and enjoyed a decadent South Africa Braai-up which is basically just every kind of meat you could imagine.

After passing out in a food coma, I awoke the next day for a canopy, zip-lining tour in the trees, followed by a ride to an ostrich farm to race ostriches, a personal favorite of mine. They are the oddest creatures, but I secretly wanted to steal one as a pet. Actually I take that back, what I really want is a pet penguin, which I got to play with (aka watch from afar) on a class trip to Cape Point. What I do not want as a pet is a baboon. A pack of them ran out into the road in front of our bus and basically began to mate- pick at themselves in front of us. Nevertheless, it was all worth it as Cape Point is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It’s where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet, the southern-western most point on the African Continent on this giant cliff overlooking the world.

And now what I know you have all been waiting in anticipation for, the most important part (this is for you Mom): the classes. Honestly this is what originally attracted me to the program as I am interested in international law and have little, if any exposure, with that practice field. I am taking three classes at UCT: Comparative Constitutional law, Law & Politics in South Africa and Intro to South African Law. Comparative Con. Law is especially intriguing as we are in class with other UCT students who have very unique and quite opinionated views on American Law and the state of South African law. Plus it has given us a chance to meet South Africans who know the best places to eat and drink (of course this aspect is vital to me). Additionally, the facility at UCT has exposed us to some international human rights attorneys whom I can beg for a job

So basically this old lady is exhausted but happy and has come to terms with the decision that we all need to move to South Africa. It’s an incredible country where I still have so much to do and see; I still need to play with sharks and climb Table Mountain. I am sad that the time is going by so fast but can’t wait for what happens next.

Hope you are all having a nice, warm and relaxing summer.

Bafana, Bafana!
-Ali Wender

This article was submitted by 3L Ali Wender, who studied abroad in South Africa in the summer of 2010.

Located 15 miles outside Cape Town in a gang-riddled township, KPS is a K-7 grade school in dire need of funds. The surrounding community is very poor, with high adult illiteracy and unemployment (60%). KPS is funded by the government, school fees, and fundraisers. Due to the poor community in which this school is located, only a few of the 380 students have paid their school fees this year. Many kids come for the promise of food as the government provides children in K-3 with food. As you can see, KPS is crucial to the education and well-being of these kids.

In 2008, UF students, along with the HSCS, started a Flat Stanley pen pal project that raised $3,400 to benefit KPS. The money raised paid 136 KPS students’ tuition ($25 sends a student to school for a year). The pen pal project is now an ongoing project between these primary schools.

South Africa program participants are continuing to collaborate on fundraising with the HSCS this year to raise money for KPS school fees. We are asking for a minimum donation of $3 and using the Flat Stanley/Stacey paper dolls as a symbol of that giving. donors can designate 2007, 2008, or 2009 classes to be credited with your contribution. A prize will be awarded to the group of South Africa program participants who raise the most money for KPS.

In addition to monetary donations for school fees, the International Law Society is having a supply drive to benefit the kids and families of KPS. Because of the high cost of shipping, the 2009 South Africa program participants are volunteering to take the items to South Africa. We ask that you donate useful, lightweight items in all sizes such as hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and underwear. There will be a box located at the South Africa fundraising table.

Thank you for your support of the UF Law South Africa program’s efforts to benefit the children of South Africa.

Despite all that, UF Law student Mike Pajcic, a past participant in the program, said his favorite experience was “playing soccer barefoot with people from all over.”

An Oct. 31 informational meeting on the five-week study abroad program featured faculty and student speakers from the previous summer’s Cape Town program. Students accepted into the program can take classes such as “Introduction to South African Law,” “Comparative Issues in Criminal Justice Administration,” and “Selected Issues in Constitutional Law,” taught by South African and American professors.

“South Africa is already the continent’s leader; the success of democracy in Africa depends upon its success in integrating a racially and culturally diverse population in a less politically diverse climate,” said Kathie Price, associate dean and director of the program.

The program, in which there is a dual focus on comparative and international law, includes visits to Parliament, courts and jails, and a chance to shadow members of the Cape Town Bar Association, which is completely integrated, said Price.

“The interesting thing about South Africa to me is that there are a lot of racial parallels with the U.S.,” said Professor Kenneth Nunn, a participant in the program.

“South Africa is simultaneously a first and Third World country,” said Price. “You’re going to come away with real questions of how successful its government can be in meeting the expectations of a rising middle class with expectations of land reform, jobs, and improved education, housing, and health services that are proceeding very slowly and may never be economically possible.”

Classes are taught at the University of Cape Town, a nationally diverse campus that is situated at the foot of Table Mountain. Last year’s students hiked to the top of the mountain, where the view was said to be amazing. The students also had a chance to go shark diving, and surfing, and visit wineries, the Cape of Good Hope, Clanwilliam, and Robben Island — famous for being Nelson Mandela’s incarceration site. They also went on a six-day, five-night safari, during which they saw animals such as rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, and lions.

What really impressed student Alex Hadjilogiou was the faculty, which he called “very gracious and tremendously capable.”

Cape Town, which has a population of 2.9 million people, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The country’s varied geography means students will have a chance to see desert, flatland, mountains and beaches. Housing is in the Camps Bay part of Cape Town, an affluent area near the ocean. Said Professor Nunn, “You can’t get this experience anywhere else or at any other time in your life.”

The application deadline is March 23, 2007. Students interested in studying abroad should visit the summer abroad section of the law school’s web site to find out more about the South Africa program, as well as study abroad programs in Costa Rica and France.