The Roundtable
Welcome to the Roundtable, a forum for incisive commentary and analysis
on cases and developments in law and the legal system.
on cases and developments in law and the legal system.
 By Georgia Ray
Georgia Ray is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Cognitive Science and Urban Studies. The European Union is built on the foundation of mutual support between member nations. Following a disastrous economic downturn for Germany after World War I (the US dollar was worth 4,210,500,000,000 German marks) [1] that ultimately provided kindling for Hitler’s ideology [2], European countries vowed to disallow this type of economic destitution that rallies political radicalism by creating the European Union. The EU provides resources and monetary support for all member states, resulting often times in an unequal payout from those that are more prosperous, such as the United Kingdom. This pattern of economic contribution is something the British population supported in the post-war years as increased taxes seemed a small price to pay for lasting European peace. However, in the 21st century, as a new wave of nationalism swept the world, the British population started to question whether the net 9 million pounds a year [3] they were paying to support other EU member nations was really worth it. In a referendum held in June 2016, 52% of voters decided it was not [4]. Thus, Brexit was born.
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 By Georgia Ray
Georgia Ray is a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Cognitive Science with a minor in American Public Policy. In a small town in Texas, something out of the ordinary happened. A motorist held another man at gunpoint, waiting for the police to arrive, after witnessing him beating a woman in a nearby car. This civilian momentarily took on the role of a police officer, and by performing a citizen’s arrest he made real change in the life of the victimized woman [1]. That said, the concept of citizen’s arrest is rarely understood and is often treated as no more than a hyperbolic plan of action. The concept of citizen’s arrest originated in medieval Britain when police departments were understaffed and relied on citizens to help keep the peace [2]. Not only were citizens allowed to make arrests, but some citizens would even take it upon themselves to do detective work in their communities. This reliance on the general population continued even past the establishment of America where tiny towns with small police forces needed citizens to be involved in regulating their neighborhoods and friends. However, as cities grew, police departments received more funds, hired more staff, and were allocated more resources. Suddenly, a veil of anonymity settled on the population and with it, this type of neighborly accountability became almost obsolete.  By Georgia Ray
Georgia Ray is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying cognitive science with a minor in American public policy. Transgender people in America face unprecedented rates of violence and discrimination. 72% of hate violence homicides in 2013 were against transgender women [1], and almost 60% of transgender Americans avoid using public restrooms for fear of harassment [2]. While 14% of Americans live in poverty, 29% of transgender people find themselves below the poverty line [3]. It is clear from these statistics that the transgender experience is different than that of the average American. As such, the law has been called to evolve in order to incorporate the transgender experience in a fair and reasonable way. This evolution has not been without debate, and the way the law approaches transgender rights and protections is constantly changing. That said, growth espouses change, and to ensure our national wellbeing, our laws must adapt to meet cultural transitions.  By Georgia Ray
Georgia Ray is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying cognitive science with a minor in American public policy. The First Amendment is a hallmark of American democracy, allowing American citizens to voice their identity and express their views without fear of persecution from the government. This creates a more collective political discourse as well as a generally less fearful population. In full, the First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” [1] However, for an amendment so fundamental to the country, Americans exhibit an astonishing lack of understanding in regards to their right to free speech. Three misconceptions stand out. Many people do not understand the designation between free speech in the public realm and free speech within private institutions. Jimin He, writing for the Harvard Civil Liberties Law Review, argued “private universities are not subject to heightened constitutional examination of their policies.” [2] That is, private institutions have the ability to reprimand one based on his or her’s words with impunity. Jimin He cites universities specifically, but this protection extends to other private institutions as well. |
