Alex Ginsberg, J.D. Candidate 2014
Have you ever wanted to see a motion to dismiss hearing, but didn’t know where to go to observe one? On the evening of Tuesday, February 19th, you will have your chance to see an intellectual slugfest by University of St. Thomas School of Law 2 and 3Ls in the Frey Moot Courtroom of the Law School. Professor Collett’s Constitutional Litigation course is in the process of bringing a number of hypothetical cases through the filing stages all the way to trial, and one team has filed a motion to dismiss.
The case involves a hypothetical statute enacted by the Minnesota legislature, which construes the word “person” under Minnesota law to include unborn children, specifically stating that the life of each human being begins at conception. The Defendant in the case has moved to dismiss the claim brought for lack of standing, stating that the federal courts do not have jurisdiction because there is no injury to an existing legal interest.
The hearing will include oral argument by both teams, and should last no more than an hour. This is a great way for students, both current and prospective, to see what it takes to bring a case to trial, including the practical nature of upper level courses at UST Law.
So come one, come all! I will make myself available shortly before the hearing, and will stick around as late as people would like after its conclusion to answer any questions those observing may have.
Anyone wishing to attend can email me with any questions, and I will make available electronic copies of both the Defendant’s memorandum for their motion to dismiss, as well as the plaintiff’s response in opposition of the motion if anyone would like a bit of background as to what will be occurring.
