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Law Students to Launch Online Journal of Critical Studies
Nov. 8, 2007
MOSCOW, Idaho – At the heart of democracy is the right and the responsibility to critically assess the institutions and mechanisms that define it.
This coming spring, the University of Idaho's College of Law introduces the “University of Idaho Journal of Critical Studies,” or “The Crit.” The multi-media publication will provide a new and innovative forum for analyses, scholarly discussion, and critical assessment of legal, social, economic, and political issues and institutions.
"'The Crit' will not be limited to a classic law review format,” said Michael Satz, associate professor of law and faculty adviser for the student-run publication. “We want to include input from students and scholars from many disciplines. A multidisciplinary approach is important because the law is not something you can think about or practice in isolation.”
The initial thrust of the Critical Legal Studies movement was to challenge the established power hierarchy in law, and its institutions, Satz explained. In keeping with that tradition, the "Journal of Critical Studies" seeks to encourage rigorous critical thinking, and aims to include the voices of those who are often underrepresented in legal and cultural discourse – including those whose experiences and ideologies are shaped by race, gender and gender identity.
While topics of discussion may sometimes be controversial, the discussion itself is vital, said Satz. “It is very important, in law and society in general, to always critically asses why and how we do things. Critical analysis and discussion help to inform public debate, and allow us to see, by considering different perspectives, if there are ways we can do things better and be more inclusive.”
The premier issue of “The Crit” features guest editor Pierre Schlag, associate dean for Research and the Bryon R. White Professor at the University of Colorado Law School. Schlag has written four books and numerous articles exploring constitutional interpretation, freedom of speech, law and economics, the aesthetics of law and legal form.
Second-year law student Kirstin Eidenbach will serve as editor-in-chief for 2008.
"The Crit" currently is accepting audio, video, art, cartoon, text and narrative submissions. For more information, visit www.thecritui.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 42 National Merit Scholars and a 2006-07 freshman class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Contact: Joni Kirk, University Communications, (208) 885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu
DE-11/08/07-LAW
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