Spotlight on Scholarship

A big shout-out to Professor Jason Cade, the author of TWO new articles on the important topic of crimmigration:
Judicial Review of Disproportionate (or Retaliatory) Deportation, and Sanctuaries As Equitable Delegation in an Era of Mass Immigration Enforcement
Congratulations, Professor Cade!

Everything Old is New Again

Long before fake news, there was false news. Law library director Carol Watson has published Information Literacy in a Fake/False News World: An Overview of the Characteristics of Fake News and its Historical Development. It’s a fascinating look at the ways in which fake/false news campaigns have been used against historical figures from Marc Anthony to George Washington, as well as an explanation of technology’s role in amplifying the reach of fake news:

Study Aids to the Rescue

By Amy Taylor

As exams draw closer and closer, the library’s study aid collection is up and running. We have a plethora of resources, both in print and online. And as always, please stop by the reference desk or email lawref@uga.edu with questions.

Print Resources

Begin with the library’s online finder at gavel.law.uga.edu

The LexisNexis Understanding series is available to you by searching Understanding +law subject, i.e., Understanding contracts, Understanding torts, Understanding secured transactions, etc.

You can also search treatise +law subject for other subject-specific books, i.e. torts treatise, contracts treatise, etc.

Online Resources

The library has a school-wide subscription to the West Study Aids at subscription.westacademic.com, featuring both 1L and upper-level subjects, as well as the complete Nutshells, Hornbooks, and Concise Hornbook Series.

Murderous Films from the DVD Collection

Although we have shared many feature films in the past from our collection with scary themes, mysteries and even exorcisms, this year we’re broadening the list to include documentaries as well. Each of the DVDs listed below includes some element of killing. Grab some popcorn, turn out the lights and enjoy these murderous tales:

The Killing of Mary Surratt PN 1997.K56 2009

In 1865, boardinghouse owner Mary Surratt was one of four Southern sympathizers who was tried, convicted and executed for conspiring to assassinate President Lincoln. Was Mary truly guilty of the crime, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time? This short film brings to life one of the most controversial trials in U.S. history, which resulted in the nation’s first execution of a women by the federal government.

Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart HV 6515.C37 2015

A small-town murder in New England became one of the highest-profile cases of the twentieth century. As the first fully televised court case, the Pamela Smart trial rattled the consciousness of America, but did the media circus prevent a fair trial? Pulsating with sex, drugs, betrayal, and murder the trial has inspired decades of TV shows, books, plays and movies including To Die For.

The Act of Killing HV 6322.3.I5 A283 2014

Acclaimed directors Werner Herzog and Errol Morris team up as executive producers to bring a chilling hallucinatory documentary experience by Joshua Oppenheimer to the screen. Death-squad leaders are challenged to reenact their real-life mass killing in the style of American films. Both hyper-realistic and surrealistic, this is not your typical documentary experience – not by a long shot.

Rashoman PN 1997.R37 2008

From renowned director Akira Kurosawa comes the tale of a man’s murder and his wife’s rape as seen from four different perspectives. Prolific actor Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) delivers an amazing performance as the feral bandit who may (or may not) be guilty of the crimes. This film is a classic meditation on the nature of “truth” which is known as one of cinema’s greatest international narratives.

Brother’s Keeper HV 6533.N4 B76 2003

Praised as one of the most successful nonfiction films of all time, this documentary tells the story of the “Ward Boys”, four eccentrics who shared one dilapidated shack for over 60 years. Living in isolation without heat or running water they had virtually no contact with the outside world – until one brother is found dead in his bed. Another brother confesses to suffocating him as an act of mercy, but the townspeople believe the hermit an innocent victim of police abuse.

Witness HV 6534.N5 W46 2016

On March 13, 1964 Kitty Genovese is repeatedly attacked on a street in Queens. Soon after The New York Times reports the story on their front page declaring 38 witnesses watched the murder from their apartment windows – and did nothing to help. This documentary follows Kitty’s brother Bill as he seeks to uncover the truth, makes discoveries about the crime that transform his life, and define an era.

Three Sovereigns for Sarah PN 1992.8.F5 T57 2005

Three sisters are accused of witchcraft, nineteen people are hanged, an old man pressed to death, and hundreds of others suffer in jail cells in the late 1600’s. With dialogue taken from the original transcripts of the trails, and authentic period costumes, props, buildings and locations, this film is said to be the most accurate portrayal to date of the Salem Witch Trails.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

With Hurricane Michael on the horizon, it is a great time to refresh yourself with Emergency resources, including those for Severe or Inclement Weather. Don’t get too worried! Prepare but do not despair. UGA has an excellent article on strategies for coping with severe weather regarding mental health. The University of Georgia School of Law has an excellent quick reference guide with several resources related to emergencies including weather, personal prep, active threats and other potential situations. Visit the UGA Law Quick Reference guide for a full list of resources, including actions plans specific to School of Law buildings.

Prepare yourself by bookmarking these key resources:

• UGA’s Emergency news and information site at http://emergency.uga.edu/.
• UGA Alert Emergency notification system at http://www.ugaalert.uga.edu/ allows you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices in the event of crisis or disaster.
• UGA’s Office of Emergency Preparedness “What to do” webpage at http://www.prepare.uga.edu/emergency-what-to-do/ has a list of best practices for various situations including active shooters, bomb threats, chemical spills, fire, medical emergency, disability procedures, utility failure, and severe weather.
• UGA’s Twitter Feed is a great one to follow for the most current status of campus closures.

UGA Prepares for Hurricane Michael

The UGA Office of Emergency Preparedness is monitoring Hurricane Michael. Any announcements regarding UGA’s response, including schedule changes or cancellations and campus closures, will be made through official UGA channels, including ArchNews and emergency.uga.edu.

UGA students, faculty and staff should check their email and the UGA homepage. Now is also the time to verify your emergency contact information at ugaalert.uga.edu.

Here are additional resources:

• Weather information regarding Hurricane Michael can be found at nhc.noaa.gov.
• Weather information for the Athens area may be found at weather.gov/Atlanta.
• Information about individual preparedness may be found at prepare.uga.edu.
• The free LiveSafe mobile safety app provides information on how to respond to emergencies, a safety map, a safety walk feature, and an alternative method to communicate with the UGA Police. The app can be downloaded at http://www.prepare.uga.edu/livesafe/.

Preparedness Tips for UGA Community

Although the exact impacts to the Athens area as a result of Hurricane Michael are not entirely known, the forecast includes high winds, heavy rain and possible tornadoes throughout Wednesday evening and overnight in to Thursday.

There are some simple steps you can take to prepare for inclement weather:

• Check your contact information in the UGAAlert system at www.ugaalert.uga.edu.
• Be sure to leave your phone on overnight or have another way to receive emergency weather information.
• Fully charge your phone and other electronic devices in advance of the storm.
• Consider limiting your travel outside this evening and overnight due to possible tree and debris hazards resulting from the high winds.
• Be sure to have a communication plan with your family and loved ones so you can provide them with updates on your status (for example, social media or texting).
• Have extra water and non-perishable food on hand in case you are unable to leave your residence hall or apartment for an extended period of time.
• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries available. Candles are not recommended due to a fire hazard.
• Prior to the storm, obtain prescription medications that may be needed.

Bookstands and Many Other Items for Checkout

The library has many other items available for checkout to law school students, faculty and staff beyond the scope of general library resources.

They include:

• bookstands
• computer chargers for Mac and PC
• computer mouse
• computer keyboard
• DVDs
• headphones
• iPads and iPad keyboards
• lap desk
• laptops
• phone chargers for Android and iPhone
• portable DVD player
• umbrellas
• usb thumb drives
• usb webcam
• vga connector

Also available at the circulation desk for free to current law school faculty, staff and students:

• ear plugs
• monitor wipes
• book marks

Have an idea for other additional items you would like to see available for checkout? Make a suggestion to a librarian at the reference desk or to someone at circulation!

Events at the Law Library Today: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month & Learn About Blockchain

This morning from 8:15 to 10 am, stop by the front of the library for a free breakfast hosted by the Hispanic Law Student Association to celebrate Hispanic and Latino American culture, heritage, and contributions. The HLSA is also hosting a $500 trivia contest. At the breakfast, come grab a flyer containing 10 trivia questions about Hispanic/Latino culture. If you and a partner successfully complete all ten questions and submit the form to a HLSA representative by Friday, October 12, you will be placed in a raffle to win $500! While you are at the front of the library, check out one of the many books on display as a part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

At 12 noon today in Classroom C, Information Technology Law Librarian Jason Tubinis will explain Blockchain or How to Make Lots of Money in Cryptocurrency. No RSVP needed! Bring your own beverage. Can’t make it to our lunch and learn today? Watch this short video about blockchain, and let us help you find articles and other resources about Blockchain and the legal issues surrounding it, like this article from DukeLaw Journal: Beyond Bitcoin: Issues in Regulating Blockchain Transactions