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The Paul A. McLennon, Sr., Honors Moot Court Competition

The McLennon Competition, endowed through the generosity of USD law professor Michael Devitt and his family to honor longtime family friend, attorney and naval officer, Paul A. McLennon, Sr., provides an opportunity for students to develop their brief writing and advocacy skills and to test these skills in an open, rigorous competition. Organized by the Appellate Moot Court Board, the competition consists of several preliminary rounds, culminating in the Final Round argued before a distinguished panel of judges.

Reception to follow in the rotunda

The esteemed judges are:

• The Honorable Rosemary Barkett, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

• The Honorable M. Margaret McKeown, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

• The Honorable Thomas J. Whelan, U.S. District Judge, Southern District of California

RSVP by March 2, 2007, by calling (619) 260-6848 or email usdlawevent@sandiego.edu

2007 Case Before the Court: United States v. Afshari

Petitioners of this case were previously indicted for violating statute 8 U.S.C. § 1189 – providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The petitioners allege that the statute violates the First Amendment because it prohibits them from challenging the foreign terrorist designation and does not provide adequate procedural safeguards to allow the prosecution of protected speech. The respondent, United States of America, argues that the statute is constitutional because it adequately protects any alleged free speech rights. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that 8 U.S.C. § 1189 did not violate the First Amendment and reinstated the petitioners’ indictments. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari on whether there is a First Amendment right to challenge the designation and if the statute impermissibly restricts speech.