Law symposium to strategize

During the past five years the powers of Congress have been severely limited by the Supreme Court. It has struck down laws that create criminal penalties for having guns near schools, civil remedies for victims of sexual assaults, and protections from age and disability discrimination. The Supreme Court struck down these laws in the name of federalism, constitutional limits on Congressional powers and judicial supremacy.\nCongressional Power in the Shadow of the Rehnquist Court: Strategies for the Future, a symposium hosted by the IU School of Law will probe the issues presented by this string of unprecedented judicial action.\nThe symposium will host an array of scholars, practicing lawyers and former government workers. Some of the distinguished speakers include IU Law School Dean Alfred Aman, Solicitor General of New York Preeta Bensal, co-president of the Women\'s National Law Center Marsha Greenberger, professor of law from Yale Law Riva Sigel.\nLaw professors at IU are anxiously awaiting the symposium.\n"There is an impressive list of speakers," Professor of Law John Applegate said. "It really is an all-star lineup."\nThere will be several moderated debates concerning the implications of the Court's actions and how they will affect Congressional and presidential powers, as well as what the actions mean concerning other issues like environmental issues and civil rights.\nThe recent string of decisions created the need for a forum to discuss them, Professor of Law Charles Geyh said. Geyh organized the event with Associate Professor of Law Dawn Johnsen.\n"In the past five years the Supreme Court has issued a series of opinions significantly restricting Congressional powers," Geyh said. "This is arguably the most significant development in the constitutional law arena in the last quarter century."\nJohnsen agrees with the reasoning behind the symposium.\n"The Rehnquist court has narrowed the scope of Congress's powers in ways that interfere with Congress's ability to deal with important issues facing our nation, including the protection of civil rights and the environment," she said. "The Court's extraordinary string of cases striking down acts of Congress deserves greater public attention."\nThe symposium will be held in the law school Moot Court room 1 p.m. -- 6 p.m. Friday from 8:30 a.m. -- 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Friday's forums concern the implications that the Court's recent decisions will have on Congress and the presidency. There will be a reception following the discussions. Saturday focuses on important issues like the environment, civil rights, and federalism in the states.\nAll are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no admission fee.