Gain an edge in networking and job searching with LexisNexis

In conjunction with Seattle University’s Center for Professional Development, there will be two Lexis trainings next week introducing students to searches and sources available on LexisNexis to help gain an edge in networking and job searching. These classes will cover:

• How to target both SU Law alumni as well as undergraduate alumni
• Using the News to gain an edge in information gathering
• Additional quick searches to conduct for more interview talking points
• …and more!

Everyone who attends one of these classes will receive 400 points and free food will be provided at both sessions. Plus, amongst everyone who attends, one new Video iPod Nano (8gb) will be raffled away! There will be one iPod raffled amongst all of the attendees from both sessions. Winner will be notified via email.

If you plan on attending one of these trainings, PLEASE RSVP so we know how much food to order. You can either register online at the MySchool page or send an email to aaron.meyers@lexisnexis.com with the date/time of your choice. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, Nov 17 – 1pm in the Courtroom
Wednesday, Nov 18 – 12pm in Room 109

Kiyemba v. Obama

On October 20th, the United States Supreme Court granted cert to a case that will decide whether the federal courts can grant the release of Guantanamo detainees into the U.S. According to the New York Times, the case involves 13 Uighur men who were captured in Afghanistan or Pakistan after the September 11th attacks and who have posed no threat according to the U.S. government. Since Bermuda and Palau have already accepted all but one individual, the case may become moot prior to argument. Nevertheless, Kiyemba v. Obama presents interesting separation of powers issues between the courts and the executive branch.

State Department Issues Report on Sri Lankan War

Late in October 2009, the United States Department of State’s Office of War Crimes Issues released a report that raises serious questions involving the closing days of the Sri Lankan war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Developed at the request of Congress, the report outlines conduct that “may constitute violations of international humanitarian law or crimes against humanity.” Among the incidents cited are the execution of Tamil leaders after surrender, the lack of food, medicine and clean water in the designated no-fire zone, the use of child soldiers, and the disappearance of Tamil civilians, in particular children and young men.

New Rules for Carriage of Goods by Sea

On September 23rd, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the international Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea was opened for signature. Also known as the “Rotterdam Rules”, this body of law updates previous maritime transport laws including the Hague-Visby Rules and clarifies the liability for goods loaded on a stranded ship or for stolen or damaged cargo. The new rules also apply to the use of e-commerce in the maritime transport environment and now cover the entire carriage cycle including connecting transport by land or multimodal service. The United States is a convention signatory. This treaty will require the advice and consent of the Senate before it takes effect for shipping originating in the U.S. The treaty will enter into force after the instruments of ratification or accession are submitted by twenty states which some commentators speculate may be late in 2010.

Email Reference Service

Need help finding a source or getting started with a research plan? The SU Law Library provides email reference services through its LawReference email. Send us your question and we’ll respond during business hours.