Martin McGuinness's obituary video and funeral / Bill Clinton's eulogy

Watch the following short videos:

A look back at the life of Martin McGuinness – video obituary

Bill Clinton as Martin McGuinness's funeral

There are plenty more fascinating articles and videos on Martin McGuinness's life and funeral on the Guardian Website.

Conference on "Brexit: A New Frontier" / Seamus Heaney 'Scaffolding"

1. For those of you who could not attend the Conference on Brexit (22 March 2017), you may watch it on replay on the "Law and Humanities" Facebook page.

2. In his presentation, Declan Lawn referred to the poem "Scaffolding" (by Northern Irish poet Seamus Heaney):

Seamus Heaney reading "Scaffolding"

Masons, when they start upon a building,
Are careful to test out the scaffolding;

Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,
Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.

And yet all this comes down when the job’s done
Showing off walls of sure and solid stone.

So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be
Old bridges breaking between you and me

Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall
Confident that we have built our wall.

L2 JOKING ASIDE / Extra Listening Comprehension Exercises

Please find below two humorous videos which we will not have time to watch in class but which are related to the L2 S2 Legal English syllabus.
The first one is to be found on p. 11 of the Booklet (Listening comprehension c), p. 11). The second one is not in the booklet.
It would be good if you could take a minute to watch them, however, so that we can discuss them by way of introduction for next class.

1. The UK, GB, The Commonwealth?
(Note however, that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are actually not countries!)
This video is also the opportunity to note the difference between "UK" (pronounced "OOK")  and "THE U.K." (letters pronounced separately!)

WTF is Brexit? - Foil Arms and Hog


2. Al Murray - Pub Landlord, intended to stand in the general election for the hotly contested Kent constituency of South Thanet as part of the Free United Kingdom Party.
(Al Murray is a British comedian.)

The Guv's common sense message to the UK

Extra documents relevant to Class 5

Boris Johnson's Moments:

Listening Comprehension Exercise: 

State Opening of Parliament, House of Lords, May 18, 2016., Queen's Speech

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

My government will use the opportunity of a strengthening economy to deliver security for working people, to increase life chances for the most disadvantaged and to strengthen national defences.

My ministers will continue to bring the public finances under control so that Britain lives within its means, and to move to a higher wage and lower welfare economy where work is rewarded.

To support the economic recovery, and to create jobs and more apprenticeships, legislation will be introduced to ensure Britain has the infrastructure that businesses need to grow.

Measures will be brought forward to create the right for every household to access high speed broadband.

Legislation will be introduced to improve Britain’s competitiveness and make the United Kingdom a world leader in the digital economy.

My ministers will ensure the United Kingdom is at the forefront of technology for new forms of transport, including autonomous and electric vehicles.

To spread economic prosperity, my government will continue to support the development of a Northern Powerhouse.

In England, further powers will be devolved to directly elected mayors, including powers governing local bus services.

Legislation will also allow local authorities to retain business rates, giving them more freedom to invest in local communities.

My government will support aspiration and promote home ownership through its commitment to build a million new homes.

Following last week’s Anti-Corruption Summit in London, legislation will be introduced to tackle corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.

My government will continue work to deliver NHS services over 7 days of the week in England. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that overseas visitors pay for the health treatment they receive at public expense.

New legislation will be introduced to tackle some of the deepest social problems in society, and improve life chances.

A Bill will be introduced to ensure that children can be adopted by new families without delay, improve the standard of social work and opportunities for young people in care in England.

To tackle poverty and the causes of deprivation, including family instability, addiction and debt, my government will introduce new indicators for measuring life chances. Legislation will be introduced to establish a soft drinks industry levy to help tackle childhood obesity.

Measures will be introduced to help the lowest-income families save, through a new Help to Save scheme, and to create a Lifetime ISA to help young people save for the long-term.

My government will continue to reform public services so they help the hardest-to-reach.

A Bill will be brought forward to lay foundations for educational excellence in all schools, giving every child the best start in life. There will also be a fairer balance between schools, through the National Funding Formula.

To ensure that more people have the opportunity to further their education, legislation will be introduced to support the establishment of new universities and to promote choice and competition across the higher education sector.

My government will legislate to reform prisons and courts to give individuals a second chance.

Prison Governors will be given unprecedented freedom and they will be able to ensure prisoners receive better education. Old and inefficient prisons will be closed and new institutions built where prisoners can be put more effectively to work.

Action will also be taken to ensure better mental health provision for individuals in the criminal justice system.

My government will continue to work to bring communities together and strengthen society.

Legislation will be introduced to prevent radicalisation, tackle extremism in all its forms, and promote community integration.

National Citizen Service will be placed on a permanent statutory footing.

My government will continue to safeguard national security.

My ministers will invest in Britain’s armed forces, honouring the military covenant and meeting the NATO commitment to spend 2% of national income on defence.

They will also act to secure the long-term future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

My government will continue to play a leading role in world affairs, using its global presence to tackle climate change and address major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges.

My government will continue to work to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. It will play a leading role in the campaign against Daesh and to support international efforts to bring peace to Syria through a lasting political settlement.

Britain’s commitment on international development spending will also be honoured, helping to deliver global stability, support the Sustainable Development Goals and prevent new threats to national security.

Prince Philip and I look forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of Colombia on a State Visit in November.

My government will continue with legislation to modernise the law governing the use and oversight of investigatory powers by law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies.

Legislation will strengthen the capability and accountability of the police service in England and Wales.

My government will hold a referendum on membership of the European Union. Proposals will be brought forward for a British Bill of Rights.

My ministers will uphold the sovereignty of Parliament and the primacy of the House of Commons.

My government will continue to work in cooperation with the devolved administrations to implement the extensive new powers in the Scotland Act and establish a strong and lasting devolution settlement in Wales. My government will work in Northern Ireland to secure further progress in implementing the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements.

Members of the House of Commons:

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:

Other measures will be laid before you.

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Recommendations / Northern Ireland

Recommendations of films and podcast ahead of the class on Devolution in Northern Ireland:


BBC Radio 4: Start the Week (Podcast on the Significance of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin):

The Easter Rising: 100 Years On


Film "'71" on the Troubles in Northern Ireland (See trailer below):

'71 by Yann Demange

L2: HOMEWORK for WEEK 2 (semester 2)

Homework and presentation topics for week 2: 

Groups 2, 3, 47:

Study: Unit 1 vocabulary, p. 12.

Study: Introduction to chapter 2, p. 13-16 + Vocabulary (end of chapter)

Read (and prepare) texts 2 p. 19 (and text Unit 1 p. 6-7) 

Presentation topic: text p. 6-7.

Groups 28, 29, 30, 63:

Study: Unit 1 vocabulary, p. 12.

Study: Introduction to chapter 2, p. 13-16 + Vocabulary (end of chapter)

Read (and prepare) texts 2 p. 19 as well as texts Unit 1 p. 6-7-8. 

Presentation topic: texts p. 6-7-8

L2 Videos related to Text 2 p. 116 (Discussed in class): VL v. EL

L2: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (John Ford, 1962)

L2 WEEK 10 PRESENTATION TOPIC (Article VI)

Presentation topic for Groups: 2, 63, 47, 28, 29, 30:
How law enforcement officers can kill someone and avoid prosecution

Present the main topic of the text. The article refers to many cases that illustrate the main argument. Focus on one or two of these cases and do a little research to give extra information.


Presentation topic for group 3: Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Just as George Washington helped shape the actual form that the executive branch would take, so the fourth chief justice, John Marshall, shaped the role that the courts would play.
Under the administrations of Washington and his successor, John Adams, only members of the ruling Federalist Party were appointed to the bench, and under the terms of the Constitution, they held office for life during "good behavior." Thus, when the opposing Republicans won the election of 1800, the Jeffersonians found that while they controlled the presidency and Congress, the Federalists still dominated the judiciary. One of the first acts of the new administration was to repeal the Judiciary Act of 1800, which had created a number of new judgeships. Although President Adams had attempted to fill the vacancies prior to the end of his term, a number of commissions had not been delivered, and one of the appointees, William Marbury, sued Secretary of State James Madison to force him to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace.
The new chief justice, John Marshall, understood that if the Court awarded Marbury a writ of mandamus (an order to force Madison to deliver the commission) the Jefferson administration would ignore it, and thus significantly weaken the authority of the courts. On the other hand, if the Court denied the writ, it might well appear that the justices had acted out of fear. Either case would be a denial of the basic principle of the supremacy of the law.
Marshall's decision in this case has been hailed as a judicial tour de force. In essence, he declared that Madison should have delivered the commission to Marbury, but then held that the section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that gave the Supreme Court the power to issue writs of mandamus exceeded the authority allotted the Court under Article III of the Constitution, and was therefore null and void. Thus he was able to chastise the Jeffersonians and yet not create a situation in which a court order would be flouted.
The critical importance of Marbury is the assumption of several powers by the Supreme Court. One was the authority to declare acts of Congress, and by implication acts of the president, unconstitutional if they exceeded the powers granted by the Constitution. But even more important, the Court became the arbiter of the Constitution, the final authority on what the document meant. As such, the Supreme Court became in fact as well as in theory an equal partner in government, and it has played that role ever since.
The Court would not declare another act of Congress unconstitutional until 1857, and it has used that power sparingly. But through its role as arbiter of the Constitution, it has, especially in the twentieth century, been the chief agency for the expansion of individual rights.

L2 HOMEWORK for WEEK 9: ARTICLE 4

Study the introduction to the chapter p. 112-114 + Vocabulary p. 121.

Prepare exercises 1 and 2 (Comprehension on the facts) p. 114

Prepare the grammar exercise p. 120-121. (few, a few, little...)

Presentation topic: EXERCISE 2 p. 116-117.

All students should prepare the text and prepare a little summary in 5 or 6 sentences trying to use new vocabulary specific to the topic.

L2 PRESENTATION TOPIC for WEEK 9 ( 22-24 Nov. 2016): ARTICLE IV

The presentation will be based on the following document:

"SCOTUS Ruling Affirms LGBT Parental Rights: VL v. EL Creates Important Protections for Families" , text 2 p. 116-117 of the booklet. 

Document for L2 Students: The Dred Scott Decision

Notice to L2 Students: " La cour Suprême des Etats-Unis et la démocratie"

SEMINAR organized by the Research Unit: "LAW AND HUMANITIES"

Le 25 octobre 2016 : "La Cour Suprême des États-Unis et la démocratie : l'enjeu des élections 2016", par Anne Deysine. 

Séminaire ouvert aux étudiants (Licence, Master et Doctorat) ainsi qu’aux membres de l’université, à 17h, en Amphi 3 (Centre Assas, Université Paris II)

Madame le Professeur Anne Deysine, juriste (Paris II), américaniste et diplômée de l’Institut d’études politiques de Paris interviendra, le 25 octobre prochain, à 17h, dans l’amphithéâtre 3 au cours d'un séminaire intitulé : "Cour suprême des États-Unis et la démocratie, l'enjeu des élections 2016" . 

Elle est spécialiste des questions politiques et juridiques aux États-Unis et auteur de La Cour suprême des États-Unis, Droit, politique et démocratie, publié chez Dalloz (2015). 

Son séminaire permettra d'appréhender les problématiques liées au rôle politique de la Cour suprême ainsi qu'aux nomination pour l'élection présidentielle 2016.

The Electoral System: Financing the Campaign

Here are a couple of videos as well as an NPR podcast on how US presidential campaigns are financed.
These documents present the system of Super PACS.
You should start by watching and listening to documents 1 and 2. Once you have understood how Super PACS work, the third document (Stephen Colbert) will give you a more satirical insight into that system.



Exercise 1 p. 92:

Video Splainer: Super PACS Explained


Exercise 3, p. 93: AUDIO PODCAST

"All things considered", NPR, Sept. 3, 2011

For a humorous take on the topic...:

Stephen Colbert and his Colbert Super PACS

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

(…)

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare. That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Patrick Stewart sketch: what has the ECHR ever done for us? (The Guardian)

Presentation topics Week 13

G 28: PRESENTATION 1
Arnoult, Bonnin, Spitael:
http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/sep/25/-sp-legal-aid-forgotten-pillar-welfare-state-special-report-impact-cuts

G 28: PRESENTATION 2
Delacroix / Bougarras:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/06/sadiq-khan-london-mayor-corbyn-labour-scotland-snp

G 29: PRESENTATION 1
Sarfati, Astraud:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/06/lawyers-legal-aid-lawyers-justice

G 29: PRESENTATION 2
Todorovic, Sissoko:... Unknown at this stage. Please check the blog again this week...

G 23: PRESENTATION 1
Coadour: Unknown at this stage. Please check the blog again this week...

G 23: PRESENTATION 2
Benssoussan:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/07/sadiq-khan-pledges-to-put-london-first-as-he-swears-in-as-mayor

G 24: PRESENTATION:
Aguettaz: See email.

L2 Students: WEEK 11 information for groups 28, 29 and 10

TOPIC of CLASS n° 11 (Week 11): Northern Ireland / The Legal Professions.

During this class, we will finish discussing Devolution in Northern Ireland. 

The text of the presentation to be prepared will be sent to you by email directly.

We will also cover the last unit of the booklet: Legal Professions in England and Wales. 

Accordingly, read the introduction to this chapter.

TOPIC of CLASS n° 12 (Week 11) (Make-up class)

Please note that May 5th being a bank holiday, Class n°12 will take place on Week 11, that is to say just before the midterm break:

G 10, 7h45 am, Thursday April 14th, Room 602

G 28-96, 2.05 pm Friday April 15th, Room 608

G 29, 3.35 pm Friday April 15th, Room 608

This class will be dedicated to the correction of the In-Class test and to a listening comprehension exercise. The Presentations initially scheduled for this class will be given after the break.

(TOPIC of CLASS n° 13 (Week 13): 

We will finish discussing the legal professions after the break and go over the main points discussed this term. We will also listen to the last presentations of the term)

DEVOLUTION in SCOTLAND

The Guardian view on the Scottish elections: let’s talk about money too

Editorial

Nicola Sturgeon’s nationalists remain politically ascendant, but the Scottish public conversation is shifting on to material choices that challenge the SNP’s priorities. That’s all to the good

Wednesday 23 March 2016, The Guardian,

1. What does the article tell us about the popularity of the SNP? How should this be interpreted?

In spite of the victory of the No side in the referendum on the independence of Scotland, the SNP is still very popular. (See second part of § 2)

2.Comment on the position of the SNP on the question of the Independence of Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon seems to be caught in a rather paradoxical situation. On the one hand, given that the price of oil has registered a sharp drop in recent months, an independent Scotland would find it more difficult to be self-reliant. Now is not exactly the right time for Scotland to become independent.

Yet, the question of “Independence” being central / vital to the party, Sturgeon cannot but address the issue.

(A second vote (dependent on Brexit) may then be held.) (See §  3)

3. Comment on the party’s position on taxes

The article throws light on another paradox: the SNP has long relied on a left-wing rhetoric. Yet, when it comes to taxes, it seems that the party is actually not as left-wing as it claims to be. Sturgeon, who in recent months was the spearhead of the anti-austerity campaign, now campaigns to maintain things as they are.

Conversely, Scottish Labour has made real proposals in favour of a reform of the system. (See § 5)

4. What does the article say about arguments made about “money and spending choices”?

The journalist sees this shift of focus away from the question of independence to the question of taxation favourably as this question, the article contends, is just as central as questions of identity.

Not only would this shift benefit Scotland, but it would also be beneficial to the whole of Britain.

Relevant vocabulary:

Ascendancy (n.): a position of power in which someone can control or influence other people / governing, controlling influence

Battlements (n.) (usually plural): a low wall at the top of a castle with open spaces for people inside to shoot through

Sunder (v.): (Already covered in class)

Milestone (n.): an important point in the progress or development of something/ a very important event or advance

“The trend is still running strong”

“In the meantime”

Tank (v.): to be very unsuccessful: to fail completely

Dependent on:  (in this context) determined or conditioned by another =  contingent (Ex: plans that are dependent on the weather)

“Support has always rested on its claims”

“To issue a revised assessment of something” / to assess something

“To tighten the pressure on someone / something”

Let England Shake (The Economist) / 

(Text studied in class with Group 28)

Vocabulary: Presentation given by Oréa and Ridha

§Hotch-potch: (n) Vague and muddled mixture (Also: Hodge-podge)

§Derring-do: (n) Brave behavior in a dangerous or complicated situation.

§The bonds: obligations

§Jolts (n): political upheavals

§To muse: to think about something

§Threshold (n) : Value from which something occurs.

§To pull part : to make good use of something

§To borrow : to take temporarily something from somebody

§Meanwhile (adv): Simultaneously in the current action, but not taking place in the same place.

§Reiner (n): someone who go on a plundering raid. (See hist / border between Scotland and England)

§To muddle: to put into a state of confusion

§To pull apart: to separate people who are entangled

§To rile: to anger or irritate

Mhairi Black's "maiden speech" in the House of Commons

(The Maiden Speech is the first ​formal ​speech made by a British Member of Parliament in the House of Commons or by a ​member of the House of Lords)

L2 Unity in Disunity: VOCABULARY

"Unity in disunity"

The Economist, March 5th, 2016

Vocabulary and key phrases:

“Margaret Thatcher looked every bit her caricature”

Summit (n.)

G. Howe’s resignation triggered Thatcher’s fall from Office

Sunder (v.): split apart in a violent way (especially people or organisations)

“At the latest count”

The former / the latter: Merely disappointed in the former… the prime minister is incandescent at the latter.

“In a statement to the Commons…”

To issue a string of barely veiled attacks

Sheepishly (adv.) / Sheepish (adj.): (Of a person or expression) showing embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence: a sheepish grin

A family feud

The months leading up to the referendum

Dire (adj.):

1. (Of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent: dire consequences

2. (Of a warning or threat) presaging disaster: dire warnings about breathing the fumes

Baloney: nonsense

Scorn (n.) / Scornful (adj.)

“To heal the wounds”

Fringe (n.)

Forerunner: … “the forerunner to the euro” : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another / A sign or warning of something to come

Chide (v.) someone

Theatrics (n.): Excessively emotional and dramatic behaviour / “Stop your theatrics”

The outermost / the innermost

Britain’s interests “are best served by + v-ing”….

“At first glance”

“Veering all over the place like a shopping trolley”

Endorse (v.) something / a policy (…)

B. Johnson stands a good chance of succeeding Mr Cameron /

“Stand a chance of + v-ing”

Step down (v.) / step down from office

The campaign will “bruise egos”

Squabble (v.): quarrel noisily over a trivial matter