1.
The Public Defender
A Student - Edited Legal Publication of the Southern University Law Center January 2014
When we look
deeper, we see how
connected we truly are.
In law school, it’s very
easy to lose sight of the
bonds and connections
we have with our
classmates. Whether
we want to be on the
prosecution, defense,
or adjudication; we all
have the common goal
of being successful.
As we strive to do our
best in our classes, our
greatest challenge in
law school and in life,
is defeating the “Crabs
in a Bucket” mentality.
Our stories and
our backgrounds may
be different, but the
pursuit of our dreams
has brought us to the
same place. Whether
you believe in God,
Fate, or luck, what
started off as a Law
school application,
has now transformed
into the opportunity to
become an agent for
social change. We are
qualified not because
of an LSAT score,
but because of our
personal conviction
and motivation.
Charles Hatfield was
no different than you
or I. Hatfield shared
the same dreams and
was motivated by the
same passion. Yet,
instead of a low LSAT
score, his skin color
disqualified him. No
test prep, no personal
statement, no letter
of recommendation
could ever make that
opportunity available
to him. Sixty-six
years ago, our school
was created so the
Hatfield’s, McCoy’s,
and Larriuex’s of our
country could have a
chance to pursue their
dreams. Sixty-six
years ago, the door
opened for us, when
all other doors rejected
us. That story is just
as real today, as it was
then.
Our institution was
designed to empower
the underrepresented,
disenfranchised, and
disadvantaged with
the tools necessary
to hold positions of
influence. Southern
University Law Center
is where we will learn
the skills to utilize
these tools. We will
not be tricked by the
illusion of competition
because we are
working towards a
common goal: Change
in our Families, our
communities, our
World, and ourselves.
It is our responsibility
to ensure the success
of those around us
and those to come.
Together, we are more
powerful than we could
ever be individually.
A.A. Lenoir and Louis
Berry understood the
importance of the
bonds of unity. My
fellow 1,2, and 3Ls,
it is only a matter of
time when we will all
understand the power
of our unity.
Our intitution
is much more than
a school; it is a
partnership consisting
of two parties, who are
both committed to the
success of the other.
SULC’s future is
hinged upon us being
successful. Likewise,
our livelihoods depend
upon SULC preparing
us to be effective social
engineers. These next
three years are crucial
because the Bar starts
now. We became
“Professionals in
Training” the moment
we walked into the
door. Louisiana
is questioning the
strength of SULC’s
commitment to
creating capable
attorneys; however,
the World is wondering
what benefit will
SULC students bring
to society.
Our law school
journeys must be kept
inperspective. TheJ.D.
is only an objective,
and becoming an
attorney is only a goal.
Above all, our greatest
purpose is to change
the world. Now is
our time to be serious
about this purpose.
Extracted from www.politico.com
1. The Supreme Court guts Voting Rights Act
2. Government surveillance finally goes too far
3. New fronts open in same-sex marriage fight
4. American prisoners reach a breaking point
5. The Senate finds a nuclear solution to
chronically cleared benches
6. Prosecutors create a murky mix of crime and
terrorism in Boston
7. Meaningful sentencing reform gains
momentum
8. Debate over targeted killing enters the courts
9. Racism goes on trial in Zimmerman case
10. Technology vexes the courts
What was your Top Legal Story of 2013?
Submit to ThePublicDefender@sulc.edu.
Remembering our
Purpose. Committing to
that Purpose. Seriousness
about OUR Purpose.
J.A. Myers-Montgomery
THE 10 BIGGEST
LAW STORIES
OF 2013

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Page 2 The Public Defender January 2014
4. The Bucking Bronco-Peyton Manning has done
it again! After coming off neck surgery in 2011,
Manning was cut by the Indianapolis Colts and
joined the Denver Broncos in 2012. He led them in
the playoffs earlier that year and lost 38-35 against
the Baltimore Ravens in Double Overtime. However,
starting the 2013 season, Manning has shattered all
QB records including Drew Brees’ single season
passing records and Tom Brady’s Touchdown passes
in a single season. His team also has the number one
seed in the AFC playoffs. but they had it last year too.
3. Serena Williams-At age 31, she’s never lost it.
She managed to finish 78-4 and became the oldest
woman to hold the number 1 ranking. She won her
17th Grand title against Victoria Azarenka in three
sets. Did I mention she also took home $12.4 million
dollars in this year too? “Money being made around
here. Bang!”
2. The Two Peat- The Miami Heat, led by the league
MVP Lebron James, along with D-Wade, Chris Bosh
and the ageless wonder Ray Allen repeated as Finals
champions this past year defeating the San Antonio
Spurs. This was arguably one of the best Finals in
NBA history as Ray Allen hit a clutch three in the
final seconds to save the Heat from elimination and
force overtime to win it all.
1. Southern University Jaguars-SWAC Champions
2013 What up Big Worm…I Mean Coach Odums?
In only his second year, technically his first full year,
Coach Dawson Odums took the Southern University
Jaguars and brought them to victory on December
against Jackson State 34-27 in double overtime
victory. It was the first time Southern won the SWAC
title in nearly ten years. As Prime time Deion Sanders
would say “Pay the man.” Of course, they did to a
three-year extension. #Smartmove
! COMING
APRIL 16, 2014!
10. Jameis Winston wins the Heisman- The Florida
State Seminoles have not been to the National Title
since their 1999 season, where they defeated Virginia
Tech in the Sugar Bowl. A large part of the Noles
success this season has come from a 19-year-old
sophomore quarterback named Jameis Winston.
Despite off the field allegations of sexual assault,
which did not result in any formal charges, Winston
managed to become the youngest Heisman award
winner in history completing the season with 38
passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 3,820
passing yards. Did I forget to mention his team
is undefeated? They take on the Auburn Tigers in
the 2014 BCS National Title Game in Pasadena,
California at the Rose Bowl. Who you picking?
9. Are you ready for some Johnny Football?- Texas
A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel lit up the
scoreboard against opposing teams this season,
although he did have some lackluster moments, in
particular against LSU. Nevertheless, after coming
off of a scandal involving allegations he accepted
payment for autographs this past year, the 2012
Heisman winter managed to have a better season
this year with 4,114 passing yards and 37 TDS to
13 Int. The highlight of this season was the Chick-
Fil-A Bowl Come from behind win where they beat
Duke in a shoot out 52-48. Manziel was 30/38 with
382 passing yards and four touchdowns, and even ran
for 73 on 11 carries with a touchdown. “The Dallas
Cowboys are now on the clock.” Have to wonder.
8. A-Rod is sent to the corner- On August 5,
2013, Bud Selig suspended Alex Rodriguez for the
Biogenesis scandal for more than 211 games. Brutal.
It is the longest non-lifetime suspension in the history
of baseball. The New York Yankees third baseman
planned to appeal the suspension, but hey, he has the
richest contract in baseball history at 10 years, $275
million contract. If it’s upheld, at least we know he
has several places around the world to lay his head at
night.
7. The Boys Become Men- It has been a rough year
for the Grambling Football Tigers. After firing Doug
Williams after a dismal start, the Tigers football
team boycotted their next game against Jackson
Top Sports Moments of 2013By Gavin Richard
State University due to the fact that the conditions
in the men’s locker room and their equipment were
deplorable. Now, some people think their actions were
extreme and unwarranted, but I applaud them for not
settling for status quo and deplorable conditions that
hindered them. Now this is the only time a Southern
Jaguar will cheer for a Grambling Tiger.
6. Breezy in the Big Easy- After all the “Bounty-
gate” mess that leveled the Saints 2012 season, the
New Orleans Saints seemed poise to shake off those
“Bounty-gate” demons and posted a perfect record at
home of 8-0, though they struggled on the road with
a 3-5 record. However, the Saints managed to clinch
a Wild Card berth in the playoffs as the sixth seed of
the NFC, which is why they are here. But hey, since
2002 when the NFL changed divisions and added
a new franchise (Houston Texans), three wild card
teams have won the Super Bowl: 2005 Pittsburgh
Steelers, 2007 New York Giants, and the 2010 Green
Bay Packers. #WHODAT?!!
5. Money Mayweather banks again!-Since May is the
5th month in the calendar, it’s only fitting to put the
undefeated Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. at this
spot. In 2013, Mayweather cut ties with HBO Boxing
and signed a 30-month deal with Showtime/CBS
that has an estimated value of $200 million dollars.
Not to mention he soundly beat Robert Guerrero and
undefeated Mexican star Canelo Alvarez this past
September, which generated $150 million dollars in
pay-per-view revenue. I’m in the wrong profession, I
should be a fight promoter. “
He’s counting money while he day Dreams!”

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January 2014 The Public Defender Page 3
From the Classroom to the Courtroom:
SULC’s Department of Clinical Education Raises the Bar
STUDENT
SPOTLIGHT
David Patin, a 1L, interned with Koeppel & Traylor Law Firm
over the holiday break. He analyzed medical records to spot
inconsistencies between the records and the injuries stated in the
patient’s suit. Mr. Patin also formed possible defenses that the
defendant might raise. Finally, Mr. Patin assisted in the research
on a significant copyright case, locating decisions that a judge
made in similar copyright suits.
If your organization has exciting events coming up, please
e-mail us at ThePublicDefender@sulc.edu to be published
in our next edition or place information in the box located in
the SBA office.
The Southern University
Law Clinic has been in operation
since 1974 serving the needs of
low income and traditionally
underrepresented clients. The
Law Clinic is a fully functioning
law office operated by Southern
University Law Center staff
and students. The program is
designed to allow third year law
students who have completed a
course in legal professionalism
and Evidence, the opportunity to
apply the theoretical knowledge
acquired in the classroom to
real live courtroom and legally
triggeredclientcontactsituations.
This limited practice rule was
established and is regulated by
the Supreme Court of Louisiana
pursuant to Rule XX, which
allows for the limited practice of
law students in trial work.
As the Department of
Clinical Education geared up
for Simulated Trial, a focal
point for the students and
professors is to derive meaning
from the formulation of a case
theory, strategic planning,
pretrial planning and perhaps
the most imperative skill of
all, development of a greater
degree of confidence. Simulated
Trials for the Clinic were held
on November 5th for evening
clinical students and November
7th for day clinical students. The
Trial took place in the SULC
Moot Court room from 2pm-7pm
respectively. The students tried
the case of Dorothy Hiller V.
CharlesCutlerandFleetTrucking
Co. The case involved a head-
on collision between a car driven
by Dorothy Hiller and a Tractor
Trailer driven by Charles Cutler
and owned by Fleet Trucking
Company. The vehicles were
approaching each other on a
two-lane rural highway in South
Carolina. The entire case was to
be tried beginning with the voir
dire process and ending with the
jury verdict. There was one trial
each day in which all clinical
students participated as either
attorneys, witnesses, jurors, jury
pool members or bailiff. The
Honorable Jewell “Duke” Welch
served as judge in all aspects of
the trial proceeding.
Students who took part in the
trial raved about the benefits of
seeing first-hand, the importance
of honing our skills as
practitioners. Diana Onyejiaka, a
3L who was a member of the Jury
Pool, commented that seeing the
theoretical knowledge we learn
in class finally come to life in the
court-room was fantastic. “The
lawyering I saw during the Trial
was amazing. Hats off to the law
clinicforensuringthatwearewell
prepared for the practice of law.
I was able to see very clearly the
strategizing and case preparation
from the students. I could tell
that everyone put a great deal of
time and effort in ensuring they
were prepared.” Diana went
on to say that after playing the
role of a Jury member, she looks
forward to enrolling in a Clinic
Course that will allow her the
opportunity to advocate for her
client in a courtroom setting.
Doning Barber, a 2L, who
is not currently enrolled in a
Clinic Course, came to observe
her colleagues at work. “It
was a pleasure sitting in on
Simulated Trial. There aren’t
many opportunities for me to
sit in on an actual Trial. What
impressed me the most was the
voir dire process. Voir dire is
such a delicate and intricate
process that places the onus on
the attorney to select a juror who
will be as impartial and unbiased
as possible, in particular, defense
counsel. Everyone involved did
an admirable job during the trial
and I can’t wait to sink my teeth
into a case next year when I enroll
in a Clinical Education Course.”
The Law Clinic continues
to expand and improve its
professional skills and service
to the community. The results
obtained through these programs
invariablysetourlawschoolapart
from others. Students are offered
an array of practical experience
in one of the nine law clinics:
Criminal, Administrative/Civil,
Juvenile, Elder, Low-Income
Taxpayer, Divorce/Domestic
Violence, Mediation, Workers
Compensation, and Bankruptcy.
The Clinic is offered to day,
evening and summer students at
the Law Center.
Another critical component
of the Law Clinic is the exposure
to Externship Opportunities.
The more traditional externships
are with the 1st
Circuit Court
of Appeal, LA Office of the
Attorney General, LA District
Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana
Supreme Court and a host of
other Legislative Externships.
Some of our more non-traditional
externships have been with
Black Entertainment Television
(BET), State Ministry of Legal
Affairs, and Catholic Charities.
This is a valuable opportunity
for learning, networking and
securing future employment
opportunities. The students are
also offered participation in a
Motions Practice class taught
by the Honorable Jewel “Duke”
Welch with the 1st
Circuit Court
of Appeals.
The role that the clinic plays
in the lives of economically
disadvantaged persons cannot
be understated. Southern
University Law Center Clinic
has secured speedy and absolute
results to a number of clients
who would not have otherwise
had the opportunity and access
to our judicial system and other
legal representation.
The commitment to providing
free legal services to indigent
clients is entering its 40th
year in
2014. The Law Clinic continues
to be a source of strength in the
community by providing quality
legal services to the economically
disadvantaged, the legal
community and the judiciary.
Students are challenged and
encouraged to take advantage
of clinical opportunities and the
advantages it offers.
By Jaime Dicks

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Page 4 The Public Defender January 2014
MONTH of JANUARY
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
New Year's
Day
2 3 4
5 6 7
First Day of
Spring Semester
8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15
National Hat Day
16 17 18
Jazz Day
19 20
Martin Luther King
Day
SBA Community
Service
21
National Hug Day
22 23
SELA Flag
Football Draft
24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
National Popcorn
Day
MONTH of FEBRUARY
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
Groundhog Day
3 4
Thank a Mailman
Day
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Abraham
Lincoln’s birthday
13 14
Valentine’s Day
15
Singles
Awareness Day
16 17
Presidents’ Day
18 19 20
Cherry Pie Day
21
Pre- Law Day
22
23 24 25 26 27 28

5.
January 2014 The Public Defender Page 5
MONTH of MARCH
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Peanut Butter
Lovers Day
2 3
Mardi Gras Break
4
Mardi Gras Break
5 6
National Frozen
Food Day
7 8
Komen Race
for the Cure
9 10 11 12 13
Popcorn Lovers
Day
14
National Potato
Chip Day
15
16 17
Law Week
St. Patrick’ s
Day
18
Law Week
19
Law Week
20
Law Week
21
Barrister’ s
Ball
22
Class of 2014
Crawfish Boil
23
SELA Flag
Football
Championship
& Pro Bowl
24 25 26
Make Up Your
Own Holiday Day
27 28 29
Dear Moses,
I am a first year student struggling. I am
currently on academic probation. I have
no Plan B if law school does not work out.
I am so confused and I just do not know
what to do.
- Struggling 1L
Dear Struggling 1L,
My best piece of advice is “this is the
semester of “no” for you!” You have
to learn to tell people no. Your family
members may call you and want to talk
for hours. You must tell them “no.” In
fact, urn your phone off while you are
studying. Your colleagues will invite you
out. You must tell them “no.” YOU have
to ensure that you will not fall into this
predicament again. YOU are responsible
for YOU and no one else.
- Moses
Dear Moses,
I am a 1L. I had a pretty good GPA in my
first semester but I feel like I could have
done better. I studied hard but I also played
ASK MOSEShard. Am I over thinking this situation?
- Overachiever 1L
Dear Over Achiever 1L,
This is simple: You know what works
best for you. The good thing about this
is that you have another chance to reach
your pre-set goals. Don’t worry too
much, especially if you have a solid GPA.
However, don’t think that you are okay;
still strive to do your very best.
- Moses
Dear Moses,
I am a 3L and I am so ready o get out of
law school. I have no patience to deal with
school-related things anymore. I open a
book and it stays open on the first page
for hours.
- 3L With Senioritis
Dear 3L With Senioritis,
Yes, this is the last stretch for you!
Congratulations! But remember, this is a
marathon; this is not a race. In a marathon,
you must put forth the same energy you
put forth on every other lap, in this case,
semester. You must stay hydrated, in this
case, focused. Keep your eyes on the prize!
It makes no sense to have completed 2.5
years and unable to graduate because your
grades have dropped.

6.
Page 6 The Public Defender January 2014
From the American Bar Association
Want to join the American Bar Association as a Student Leader? Nomination forms and
applications are now available for the following positions:
- Division Representative to the ABA Board of Governors
- Divisions Chair
- Vice Chair
- Secretary-Treasurer
- Circuit Governors
- Student Editor, Student Lawyer Magazine
- Liasons to ABA Divisions, Sections, and Forums
- National Student Directors: Competitions and VITA
- Project Director: Mental Health Initiative
Please check the ABA website for more information as deadlines are quickly approaching.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV: “and to aspire to
live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and
to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
so that you may walk properly before outsiders
and be dependent on no one.” Remembering
these things, as we embark upon the last semester
of the academic year, as well as embark upon a
new year, will inevitably lead to success. Live
peaceably with others, tend to your own business,
and work diligently to obtain the goal you have
set out before yourself. Keep the faith and keep
your eyes on the bigger picture! Blessings!
A MESSAGE FROM
CHRISTIANS AT LAW:
Answers to “Brain Teasers”
1. no one under-stands
2. repeat after me
3. painless operation
4. adding insult to injury
5. scrambled eggs
Answers to “The Law”
No Man Is Above The Law.
This Month’s “Brain Teasers”
1. I’m
World
2. roforkad
3. Give Get
Give Get
Give Get
Give Get
4. head ac he
5. agebeauty
This Month’s “The Law”
He has married many women, but has never
married. Who is he?
This Month’s Riddle
Johnny’s mother had three children. This first
child was named April. The second child was
named May. What was the third child’s name?

7.
January 2014 The Public Defender Page 7
2014 MLK
DAY OF
SERVICE
Life’s most
persistent and
urgent question is:
WHAT
ARE YOU
DOING
FOR
OTHERS?
MAKE IT A DAY ON,
NOT A DAY OFF.
January 20, 2014
(7am to 12 noon)
For more information contact Erika at 225-803-1333
or Register Online at
https://www.eventbrite.com/event/4691653863

8.
Page 8 The Public Defender January 2014
The Public Defender
Southern University Law Center Baton Rouge,
2 Roosevelt Steptoe Drive, Louisiana 70813-0001
Editor-in-Chief, Tori M. Howze Managing Editor, Brittany C. Bryant
Sports Writers Alonzo P. Jackson, Jr. Advisor, Vice Chancellor R. White
________________________________________________________________________________
The Public Defender is the official newspaper of the Student Bar Association of the Southern University
Law Center. All opinions expressed are those of the writer. Opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinion
of the staff, student body, faculty or administration at the Southern University Law Center. The Editor
reserves the right to edit or exclude any and all submissions for clarity, length and allotted space.
If you are interested in contributing to a topic or wish to provide The Public Defender with corrections,
please email ThePublicDefender@sulc.edu or speak with the Editor-in-Chief.
Lacie Lemoine, Staff Writer Kevin Mahdi, Staff Writer
James Mattox, Staff Writer Gavin Richard, Staff Writer
Class of 2016,
I want to sincerely thank everyone for entrusting
me with the honor and privilege of serving our class as
1L Class President. I am very excited about working
with our newly elected 1L Section Representatives, our
current SBA officers, and every member of our class.
Together, I truly believe we have the ability to excel as
law students and, more importantly, as representatives
of Southern University Law Center.
Personally, the real reward out of these elections
was not the final tally. It was the opportunity to run
alongside and interact with some truly remarkable and dynamic
classmates and witnessing the innate potential for greatness in each
student in our class. This greatness goes far beyond class elections.
The campaigning was respectful, classy and exciting. It brought us
closer as a class, encouraged communication, and gave rise to many
great ideas for the future. We discussed class strategies for bar exam
preparation, the desire for recycling bins on campus, and even the
mysterious case of Dr. Pepper’s absence from the vending machine.
Thankfully, we don’t have 99 problems, but apparently Dr. Pepper is
one.
As we are starting from the bottom and beginning this “1L” of a
ride, let’s strive to thrive and epitomize “seriousness of purpose” in
all we do, especially when it comes to our first major struggle: Final
Exams.
When it comes to final exams, let’s set precedent and achieve
success on a grand scale. We are all in the same courtroom facing the
same trial. We are each other’s co-counsel, and we make no motion
to quash our dreams. We have no objections to growth and no option
to appeal. Let’s work smart, work hard and work together to get that
verdict of success!
Thank you again for this opportunity to serve our class as 1L Class
President. I promise to serve in a manner that is always Trustworthy,
Realistic, Understanding and Effective, and I look forward to working
with everyone towards the betterment of our class and our entire
law center. If you ever have any ideas, concerns or questions, never
hesitate to contact me at your convenience.
Yours truly,
Patrick J. Harrington, 1L Class President
Email: Patrick_Harrington@sulc.edu
Last year, 2013, was all about “selfies.” Who started this
madness and why? Was it an individual who had recently
received plastic surgery and was obsessed with their new look?
Was it a teenager who began exploring oneself? Or was it a
narcissist? What do you think SULC? Sound-off! How many
selfies did you take in 2013? Probably too many to count! The
term “selfie” became so popular in 2013 that it was added to
the Dictionary! Sound-off!
Class President Thank You Letter