Blog By: Ben Robinson
In this blog, 2L Staffer Ben Robinson discusses the environmental ideals explaining how other countries have come to give nature "natural rights". He further advocates for a possible solution that replicates the international concept of natural rights, while conforming to and working within the United States legal system.
Blog By: Phillip Burress
In the summer of 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a precedent relied upon for decades by federal agencies. In this blog, 3L Staffer Phillip Burress discusses that with the death of Chevron deference, federal agencies face new challenges and an increased risk of litigation for interpretations they make on ambiguous statutes. Burress points out that many agencies have been preparing for this change for the past decade, and the threat this change imposes may not be as severe as many people think.
In this blog, 3L Staffer Bailey Truitt discusses the current trend of selling horse farms and the push to divide the land into housing in Lexington and all across Kentucky. Truitt discusses that while housing is necessary for Lexington, dividing up agricultural land is detrimental to the historical equine industry as well as contributing to the urban sprawl problem found in Lexington. Truitt argues that maintaining horse farms and agricultural land in and around Lexington is the best choice for the economic development and protection of historical business, as well as the prevention of urban sprawl.
Blog By: Lydia Deaton
In this blog, 2L Staffer Lydia Deaton argues that the agricultural community should apply intellectual property doctrines to solve agriculture’s emerging data security issues. Deaton discusses that so far, neither Congress nor the agriculture industry has provided much guidance on potential solutions to data security issues. Deaton contends that creating legislation with agricultural-specific IP protections would provide the data protections that are needed.
Blog By: Erica Joan Radermacher
In this blog, 2L Staffer Erica Joan Radermacher argues that it is important to prioritize collaboration when considering environmental conservation efforts in Mobile Bay juxtaposed with efforts to spur trade and economic development. Radermacher analyzes arguments of both proponents and critics of dredging the channel of Mobile Bay and pushes for an attitude of partnership between environmental and economic actors.
Blog by: Shawn Harkins
The popular pesticide for both agricultural and consumer use, Round-Up, contains a harmful chemical that is linked to several adverse health effects. As a result, Bayer Company has unsuccessfully battled claims under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and state law. Shawn Harkins discusses the current state of the Round-Up litigation and potential regulation of it in the future.
Blog by: Isabel Harrison
As solar energy usage increases, homeowners' associations have started to impose regulations on property owners' abilities to go solar. In this blog, 2L staffer Isabel Harrison urges legislators to mitigate the impacts of restrictive covenants that create obstacles for property owners’ making the switch to solar energy.
Blog By: Blake Sims
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) provides that all discovery shall be stayed during the pendency of a motion to dismiss in any private action arising under the Securities Act of 1933. 3L staffer Blake Sims argues that this should be interpreted to apply to both federal and state court actions, and that such an interpretation could be beneficial for emerging green companies, such as Rivian.
Blog By: Julianna Grant
Following the 2020 Olympics, the equestrian portion of the pentathlon was replaced with cycling. This decision was largely based on horse mistreatment and risk of injury to horses and competitors. In this blog, 3L staffer Julianna Grant argues for this change to remain permanent to ensure both horse and rider safety.
Scientific and technological advancements have created effective alternatives to testing cosmetics on animals. In an effort to reduce unnecessary animal suffering, several countries have banned the sale of cosmetics that utilize animal testing in order to place pressures on other countries to end cosmetic testing on animals. 2L staffer Autumn Clark believes the United States has the opportunity to join these countries and bar the sale of cosmetics in one of the world's largest global economies by enacting the Humane Cosmetic Act.
Homeless encampments are appearing in record numbers causing larger cities to “sweep" these encampments and move the residents off the streets. In this blog, 2L staffer Erik Farleigh discusses the negative environmental impacts of “sweeping” and offers solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by closing encampments and forcing homeless individuals to move.
Ground-based solar infrastructures are a viable source of renewable energy, however, this comes at a cost. Farmland and forests are being displaced at the expense of these solar farms. 2L staffer Caroline Butler discusses some potential solutions to reap the benefits of solar energy while using farms and forests efficiently.
Blog By: Deiona Camargo
Two months ago, the Supreme Court of New Mexico issued a unanimous opinion settling a debate over the public's right to stream access. In this blog, 2L Staffer Deiona Camargo discusses both sides of the debate and argues that the impact of this decision does not support a true balance between public and private land rights.
