September 12, 2008

Former U.S. Prosecutor Discuss The Balance Of Power In Government During Wartime In A Cooley Law Review Symposium

From Left  - Attorney William Swor, Attorney Andrew Patel, Professor Philip Prygoski, Col. Morris Davis, Professor John Baker, Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sempa, Lt. Col. (retired) Denny Gillem, and Law Review Symposium Editor Jeremy Marks

A panel of distinguished experts, including Col. Morris Davis, a former prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, discussed the changing balance of power among the three branches of government during wartime on Sept. 24 at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s annual Law Review symposium.

Sponsored by the Cooley Law Review, the symposium, “The Wartime Constitution: The Changing Balance of Power among the Three Branches of Government in Wartime,” was held in Cooley’s Temple Building

This year’s speakers were distinguished experts on war and the constitution, including:
* Col. Morris Davis, United States Airforce, Former Prosecutor, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
* William Swor, Defense Attorney, Detroit
* Andrew Patel, Defense Attorney, New York
* Fran Sempa, U.S. Attorney, Scranton, Pa.
* Col. Denny Gillem, radio talk show host, Grand Rapids

Philip J. Prygoski, a Cooley professor, moderated the discussion.

Cooley President Don LeDuc said, “It’s important that current issues are part of our students’ education at Cooley and that they achieve a well-rounded understanding of even the most complex situations. This symposium gives our students the chance to learn about the intricacies and balances of our government during wartime from experts who have experienced it.”

The Cooley Law Review is published three times per year, consists of articles, reviews and briefs written by Cooley students. In addition to publishing and holding a symposium, the Cooley Law Review sponsors a lecture series and an award for most distinguished brief.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the country.  Founded in 1972, it operates J.D. programs across Michigan in downtown Lansing, in Auburn Hills, and in downtown Grand Rapids.  Today, Cooley Law School has more than 12,000 graduates across the nation and worldwide and also offers joint degree and Master of Laws programs.  Cooley offers enrollment three times a year; in January, May and September.   Additional information about Cooley can be found at www.cooley.edu.