Category: Uncategorized
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Decisions, Decisions: How Mindfulness and Slow Lawyering Can Begin to Solve Our Most Exhausting Problems
Alena Stankaitis* We are all familiar with the brain fog that sets in after lunch, sometimes earlier. This mental exhaustion seems unavoidable. What is it? How can we make it go away? The effects of “decision fatigue” on medical professionals, such as surgeons and nurses, are especially well-studied. There is also a growing body of…
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Born Here and No Longer a Citizen: Is This the President’s Call to Make?
By Camryn Davis* The short answer is no. Birthright citizenship, which is the right of someone born in the United States to automatically become an American citizen, is a constitutional right that requires formal amendment to change, not simply an executive order. Formal amendment would require a two-thirds congressional vote and ratification by three-fourths of…
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Are Law Degrees Just for Decoration?: A Holistic Approach to the Value of a Juris Doctorate
Rebecca Schmit* Introduction When people think of “lawyers,” there are plenty of opinions that might come to mind: “lawyers make a lot of money,” “lawyers are hardworking and dedicated,” and “lawyers have to go to school forever.” However, the difference between these one-off opinions and the experiences of lawyers themselves is that they have lived…
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Building St. Thomas Law: Professor Neil Hamilton’s Journey from Vision to Legacy
Kate Gaulke* Those who have had the privilege of working with or learning from Professor Neil Hamilton instantly recognize his authenticity and genuine care for his students. He is a cherished and beloved figure at St. Thomas Law, and I had the pleasure of interviewing him to gain deeper insight into his remarkable journey and…
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From Pollution to Policy: The High-Stakes Battle Over Minnesota’s PFAS Ban
Sheldon Noess* Minnesota has taken bold steps to address the environmental and health hazards posed by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These synthetic compounds, known for their persistence in the environment and links to serious health risks, have sparked growing concern across the nation. In response, Minnesota recently enacted…
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Have You Seen This Chicken?
Matthew Koop* While the most famous penguin-villain comes from the DC Universe, the most sinister penguin-villain comes from Wallace & Gromit. Feathers McGraw, the silent and mysterious antagonist from Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, displays a cunning, slippery version of criminality that warrants closer examination. Through his savvy use of disguises (such as a…
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New Laws Taking Effect in Minnesota in 2025
By: Grace Pilz* With the new year comes a number of new laws taking effect in Minnesota. Their impact spans many different areas, including commerce, consumer protection, labor law, public safety, and healthcare. Lawyers and laypeople alike should consider the following overview of these new laws. Consumer Protection and Economic Regulation Regulation of Add-On Fees…
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Graduation Advice with Mary Szondy
By: Bailey Squires* Graduating from law school is without a doubt a very exciting moment. It is the culmination of three years of endless hard work and determination, but once graduation day passes different challenges reach the forefront. Graduation brings the stress of studying for the bar exam, evaluating job options, and how to maintain…
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PAFACA: TikTok’s Ticking Time Bomb
Abigail Moser* TikTok Inc. is among the most popular social media networks in the world. As of 2024, TikTok had over 1.5 billion active users. A significant portion of those users are American—TikTok has 170 million U.S. users. TikTok Shop also gained a large market in the United States, outperforming other e-commerce options and boosting…
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Navigating the Future of Law: How AI is Reshaping Legal Practice
Jake Heyer* Is the legal profession on the cusp of a technological revolution? While artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into legal practice, questions remain about how deeply it will transform the profession. The integration of AI is increasing quickly, with a recent LexisNexis survey revealing that nearly 50 percent of lawyers believe generative…