Seven Tips to Survive Law School Exams

By Anya Witmer Because exams are quickly approaching the Commentary put together these tips to help you survive and thrive during exam week. Do what works for you and listen to what your professors tell you about their exams—they’re the author of the exam and therefore, the expert! 1: Know the format of your exams. Are your exams open book or closed book? Multiple choice, … Continue reading Seven Tips to Survive Law School Exams

Derrick Harris exonerated after seven years in prison by California Western clinical program

By Anya Witmer On October 6, 2020, Derrick Harris was exonerated in a joint effort between the California Innocence Project and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU).[1] In 2013, Harris was arrested and convicted for an armed robbery, for which he served seven years in prison. The victim identified Harris in a lineup, which ultimately led to his conviction – faulty eyewitness … Continue reading Derrick Harris exonerated after seven years in prison by California Western clinical program

SBA Monthly Article – September 2020

Hi California Western,

For many law students across the country, 2020 has been anything but smooth. From the spread of COVID-19, to the ongoing fight for racial justice, and now the passing of our beloved Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we are living in challenging, uncertain times. The SBA recognizes these are trying times and is dedicated to improving your law school experience while navigating difficult circumstances. Here are a few updates. Continue reading “SBA Monthly Article – September 2020”

Mark Your Calendar, Barrister’s Ball is Around the Corner!

By Vincent Chiaverini

Pick out an outfit, grab a ticket, and snag a date for Barrister’s Ball! Barrister’s Ball is an annual, school-wide, formal gathering that CWSL puts on in style. With previous events at night clubs and yachts with open bars, this is an event no student should miss.

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First Time in a DECADE

By Professor A.W. Campbell

It’s been over a decade since my horse and I did what we did today.

Three years ago, out of frustration, I quit polo. I could no longer hit the ball straight. That resulted from three mallet-arm issues. First, my right shoulder was anchored to a healed-but-overlapped broken collar bone. Second, only tendons connected that arm to my shoulder-blade; the nerves had been severed by a near-fatal fall. Third, I’d ripped two right-arm tendons out of my skeleton.

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California’s Inmate Firefighters Explore the Challenges and Victories of being on the Front Lines of Inferno

By The Commentary and Ryan Stygar

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As fires scorch across the state, Californians are once again reminded of the extreme threat posed by wildfire. News broadcasts show hundreds of firefighters working day and night to contain the blaze. While most firefighters wear yellow jackets to protect themselves from heat and embers, a substantial group wears bright orange jackets. 

Why? They are California’s front line.

California’s Inmate Firefighters

On September 28, 2019, Cal Western students heard first-hand accounts of the inmate firefighter experience! Two veterans of the inmate firefighter program, Brooke Carrasco and Brandon Smith, shared their stories as the keynote panelists. Among the many topics covered was the controversy around the program. Prisoner rights advocates have raised questions about placing inmates in harms way, especially since inmate firefighters earn only $2.00 per day, plus $1.00 per hour while fighting fire.

Continue reading “California’s Inmate Firefighters Explore the Challenges and Victories of being on the Front Lines of Inferno”