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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Yeah, likewise. Look after Sammy's pretty much the first commandment."

"Folks help much with that?" Nathan asked. He knew it was really just John, but he felt that specifically saying 'your dad' would've come off as an accusation, instead of curiosity.

"Dad would do anything to keep Sammy safe," Dean said with complete belief. "Though, okay, when they fight it's kinda immovable object versus irresistable force..."

"Pop and Pete were cats and dogs," Nathan said. "'course Ma's crazy about him."

Pause.

"In her own way."

"Peter said she was a marshmallow," Dean said wryly.

"Peter thinks I'm a marshmallow," Nathan replied.

"Yeah, he mentioned that too."

"That's Peter for you," Nathan said. "He always sees the best in people."

The words "whether or not it exists" were left unsaid, but Nathan thought them.

"He's a good kid," Dean said. "Always thought so."

"No arguments here," Nathan said. "I know what it's like to want to do whatever you have to to keep your family and kid brother safe."

"You came here because of him," Dean observed.

"After a plague and a vampire, I figured either he came home or I came here." Nathan shrugged. "It's a change of pace."

Dean chuckled. "Fandom is definitely that. Maybe it'll help you to loosen up."

"I think Peter's loosened up enough for the family," Nathan replied. "Somebody's gotta keep balance."

"Come on, you can least lose the tie," Dean encouraged with a teasing smirk.

"Not even in the shower," Nathan said, deadpan.

"Okay, now there's an image I didn't need."

"Your own fault for coming to class today," Nathan replied. "You okay to get back to your room?"

Dean nodded. "Think so. It'll be real embarrassing if I'm not."

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

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)

Re: After Class (1/30/08)