March 12, 2007

Cooley Hosts Distinguished Scholars at Community Forum on State's Legal History

Discussion to feature national, local authors

If you’re looking for a quick read to appreciate the cultural fabric of Michigan, you may be surprised to find it in a legal history book. Yet The History of Michigan Law serves up more than a chronological listing of notable cases; it offers a fascinating view of the state’s legal temperament.

On Friday, March 16, 2007, Cooley Law School will host the book’s authors, Paul Finkelman and Martin Hershock, as well as contributing editor Paul Carrington, a Duke University professor, in a forum designed to shed light on Michigan’s “progressive” legal past.

“Michigan legislators have played a leading role in developing modern civil rights law, protecting the environment, and assuring the right to counsel for those accused of crimes,” said Ronald Bretz, a Cooley professor and a contributing editor. “The forum will shed light on the state’s rich legal history, providing a great context for Michigan’s people and cultures. You can learn more about the people and state by studying the legal aspects.”

The forum is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. in room 911 of the Cooley Center, 300 S. Capitol Ave. The event, in which Professor Bretz will serve as its moderator, is free and open to the public.

The Library of Michigan selected The History of Michigan Law as one of its 2007 Michigan Notable Books. A collection of essays by members of the legal community and academia, The History of Michigan Law traces the evolution of Michigan law, exploring the state’s leadership in developing civil rights law, the impact of industrialization, and the history of labor law. In addition to analyzing Michigan law, the highly readable and engaging book serves as an introduction to Michigan politics.

Carrington authored a chapter called Deference to Democracy: Thomas Cooley and His Barn Burning Court. Thomas McIntyre Cooley played an instrumental role in shaping the history of Michigan law.

A Harvard University graduate, Carrington has been a professor with Duke University since 1978, serving as dean of its law school from 1978 to 1988. He currently teaches appeals, civil procedure, international civil litigation and lawyers in American history. He has also been active in judicial law reform efforts, particularly with regard to the jurisdiction of appellate courts, the rules of civil litigation, and the selection and tenure of judges in state courts.
Bretz, who authored a chapter on the state’s criminal justice history, has been a Professor at Cooley Law School since 1996 and was an assistant defender with the State Appellate Defender Office for 20 years before joining the Cooley faculty.

For more information, visit www.cooley.edu/newsevents/events/ or call (517) 371-5140.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the country and includes the largest African-American and second-largest minority student enrollment.  Founded in 1972, it operates J.D. programs in Michigan's capital city in Lansing, in suburban Oakland County, and in downtown Grand Rapids.  Today, Cooley Law School has over 12,000 graduates across the nation and worldwide and also offers joint degree and Master of Laws programs.  Additional information about Cooley can be found at www.cooley.edu.