The Common Law

Anyone interested in the law should think about attending Explore UT this Saturday on the UT-Austin campus. Explore UT is a free event that invites Texans to experience the rich resources of a world-class university. Law school dean Bill Powers is the chair of the open house, which offers more than 300 hands-on activities and presentations.

Visitors to Explore UT can attend activities throughout campus, including at the Law School, where participants can learn how to prevent identity theft, hear law graduates discuss the many careers available with a law degree, and listen to the history of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution by professor Calvin Johnson. They will also have an opportunity to hear Texas Reps. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) and Richard Raymond (D-Laredo), currently UT law students, discuss legislation at the Texas Capitol, and professor Douglas Laycock explain cases now before the U.S. Supreme Court on government displays of the Ten Commandments.

Children (and the young at heart) can serve as jurors in a mock trial where "Gold E. Locks" is the defendant and the Honorable Edward Prado of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is the presiding judge, have their picture taken in the state-of-the-art Eidman Courtroom wearing a judge's robe and banging a gavel, and meet Judge Elena Diaz, Travis County justice of the peace. Law School staff will read books aloud in Spanish and English at law library story time. There will also be tours and a session on the law school application process.

Events will take place, rain or shine, between 11am and 5pm on Sat., March 5, at The UT Law School (727 E. Dean Keeton). Check out www.utexas.edu/events/exploreut for a schedule of all programs offered at Explore UT, including times and locations, directions to campus, and parking.

Next week we'll get back to addressing legal issues, so be sure to read "The Common Law" to find out who gets to keep the engagement ring when the wedding is called off.