The Journal of Law and Public Policy will hold its spring symposium, “Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission” on Friday, March 30, at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

The symposium, which will begin at 9 a.m., will feature academics and legal professionals exploring the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United, including the history and consequences of the decision. In “Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission,” the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment prohibited the government from restricting political expenditures by corporations and unions.

As the 2012 election approaches, the importance of Citizens United will become more apparent. The speakers will discuss how the Supreme Court’s decision has impacted understanding of the First Amendment, corporate law, election law and elections in general. Regardless of whether you agree with the court’s decision, this symposium will challenge all viewpoints as various perspectives are examined.

Schedule

• 9 a.m. – Welcome and History of Citizens United by Professor Tom Berg (UST Law)
• 9:20 a.m. – Susanna Kim Ripken (Chapman Law)
• 10:10 a.m. – Matt Parlow (Marquette Law, recommended by Sen. Feingold)
• 11 a.m. – Break
• 11:10 a.m – Bradley Smith (former FEC chair, Capital Law)
• Noon – UST Law Reflection Time (Mass offered in the Chapel of St. Thomas More)
• 12:25 p.m. – Lunch served
• 12:40 p.m. – Ilya Shapiro (Cato Institute, sponsored by the Federalist Society)
• 1:30 p.m. – Jim Bopp (Citizens United legal adviser, Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom)
• 2:30 p.m. – Closing

Symposium event pages can be viewed on Facebook and the UST Law website. The symposium is free and open to the public. RSVP to lawrsvp@stthomas.edu; write “JLPP symposium” in the subject line. Included is a free lasagna lunch for those who RSVP.

Five hours of CLE standard credit have been approved.

For more information email Emily Kerr or Jeff Wald.