fandomhigh | Lawyering Up, Week 4: Wed, Period 2 (1/30)

Another class, another set of packets.

"Today we'll be discussing Environmental Law," Nathan said. "We like having clean air to breathe, water to drink, and food that won't kill us. Environmental law is how we make that happen.

"Environmental law has a wide scope," Nathan continued. "It could involve trying to create a law to protect a rare species, it could involve trying to bring a civil lawsuit against a company that poisoned your water supply. There is even environmental racism. That's when the 'not in my backyard' syndrome meets 'money talks.' Which means the environmentally harmful actions happen in places where those who live there don't have a political voice due to their social status and/or skin color.

"We can probably all agree that we want our environment to be safe to interact with," Nathan said. "But can we do that and not hurt our economy? Or without creating laws that are too broad in scope? Some wonder if we're allowed to argue it at all.

"Which brings us to today's exercise." Nathan indicated the last part of the handouts. "Environmental law and the Constitution. Does the Constitution as it stands now give us the strength to pass laws with the goal of protecting the environment? Or do we need to come up with new ways, such as an amendment that specifies a clean environment as being a fundamental right?

"Pair up," Nathan said. "One of you take a position that says the Constitution is fine, the other takes the position that it needs changing. Argue your case. See if you can change your partner's mind. I'll be here if there's any questions."

[ooc: OCD is up! Have at it!]

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Isabel was taking notes and occasionally glancing at her watch. Not that she had plans or anything for after class.

Chris slipped Isabel a note.

You need help with anything for... you know?

He kind of sucked at being stealthy.

If the surprise got ruined Chris's hair was going to wind up pink.

I'm good. I love doing stuff like this. But thanks!

What about getting him there?

Chris wouldn't ruin the surprise. He actually did know how to keep secrets. He just wasn't very suave about it.

I'm telling him we're having a rematch of the pool game we had back in December. Meg and I versus him and Dean. Isabel was pretty sure that the idea of pretty girls is short skirts would be enough of a motivator to get him there. And that he needs to meet us there since Meg and I are going out to the spa before hand. Actually though? If you could me me there a bit earlier to help set up? That would be awesome!

Sure, I can do that. Just let me know when, where and what you need me to bring or do.

Say an hour early? And some lifting and carrying?

I can manage that.

Isabel studied him appreciatively. Yeah, I think you can.

Wyatt eyed the girlfriend. "What are you so antsy about?" he said.

"I've got things to do after class," Isabel grinned. "Fun things!"

"Like what?" Wyatt said, bumping his foot against hers.

She bumped back and smiled. "Shopping of course. I'm heading into Alexandria to the mall."

"Shopping for what?" Wyatt asked, giving his best puppy dog eyes.

"Johnny told me his birthday is coming up," Isabel explained. "So I need to look for a present."

"Johnny's birthday is coming up?" Wyatt repeated, hoping he didn't sound too pouty.

She was enjoying this way too much. "Yup. In June."

"That's some planning ahead," Wyatt observed. "I mean, some other people's birthdays might be sooner than that."

"That's true, I have to ask Peter when his birthday is," Isabel teased.

Wyatt looked at Isabel and stuck his lower lip out.

"That's right," she said, feigning surprise. "Your birthday is this weekend. I'll have to pick you up a little something."

Edited 2008-01-30 15:39 (UTC)

"It's no big deal," Wyatt said, totally lying.

"You're right," Isabel agreed. "Birthdays are pretty overrated. Who wants to celebrate being older?"

"I'll remember that for your birthday," Wyatt said casually.

"April fourteenth," she told him. "Just so you know."

Re: During the Lecture (1/30/08)

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