Public – Page 318 – Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog

Pet DNA Used to Help Solve Crimes

Post author:Melissa Love Koenig
Post published:January 17, 2015
Post category:Criminal Law & Process Legal Practice Public

As this public radio show discusses, DNA from pets is increasingly being used to help solve crimes. Investigators can take DNA samples found at a crime scene, such as hair, and have it tested to match a victim’s pet. A match can link a perpetrator to the crime if, for instance, the DNA of the victim’s pet shows up on the assailant’s clothes. As noted on the show, the field of veterinary forensics is growing, and while the DNA testing is expensive, it can make a big difference in solving a case. In addition to animal DNA, plant DNA and viral DNA has also been used in criminal cases.

Compelled Diplomacy in Zivotofsky v. Kerry

Post author:Ryan Scoville
Post published:January 14, 2015
Post category:Constitutional Law International Law & Diplomacy Public

To the parties and lower courts, Zivotofsky v. Kerry has been a dispute primarily about the nature of the President’s power to recognize foreign borders. But what if the law also raises another, entirely separate issue under Article II?

In a new essay in the NYU Journal of Law & Liberty, I discuss the possibility that Section 214(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2003 is unconstitutional not because it recognizes a border or materially interferes with the implementation of U.S. recognition policy, but simply because it purports to compel diplomatic speech that the President opposes. From this angle, Zivotofsky presents a question about who controls official diplomatic communications, and recognition is beside the point. The essay is available here.

Half-a-Lawyer

Post author:Vanessa Richmond
Post published:January 13, 2015
Post category:Legal Education Public

When I left my last exam of the fall semester, one of my classmates commented that we were now halfway to becoming lawyers. This comment made me reflect on my experience in law school and think about what it means to be half-a-lawyer.

I describe my law school experience as tough but worthwhile. The first semester of classes were a whirlwind of inquiry, excitement, and worry. However, upon reflection, I know I have truly benefitted from learning in an environment with so many intelligent people. There is always a person to bounce ideas off of and a person to learn from. It is great to be challenged as it encourages me to strive to do my best work.