Class?

Yes, I am actually taking classes here—though perhaps the attention on this blog has strayed away from them. Thus, I thought I would say a few words about what that is.

As a refresher, we have three classes: European Commercial Law, taught by an Irish law professors; Comparative Wills and Trusts, taught by a UNL law prof; and Comparative Freedom of Expression, taught by a Kansas law prof. Thus far each has been interesting in its own way—though I'll admit my predilections for journalism topics has made the Freedom of Expression course the most interesting so far.

Professor Eaton, who teaches the European Commercial Law course, has given us a good summation of the various treaties involved in the formation of the European community—the entity that has eventually evolved in the European Union. We have discussed the various barriers to competition and economic protectionism associated with creating a true free movement of goods, and the various political and judicial institutions of hte European Union that make such a free market possible and enforceable. Professor Eaton talks quite rapidly, watches everyone like a hawk, and can be sometimes hard to follow—if only because I'm used to the Socratic method, or to more theatrical lecturers.

Professor Lyons teaches the comparative Wills & Trusts course, which has so far dealt with a comparison to systems of "forced heirship" as our common in civil law jurisdictions of Europe (everyone but England and Ireland) vis-a-vis the common law system. We have also discussed incapacity of testators and the different approaches each has for determining heirs. Right now we are in forms of Assisted Reproduction, and the natural (or unnatural?) repercussions.

Lastly, the Freedom of Expression course compares American 1st Amendment law with the viewpoint of European, Asian and even African democracies on similar freedoms. American constitutional law approaches freedom of expression with much more protection for the speakers—other countries severely limit racist speech, or make it easier for someone to sue for libel. While I see the merits in such protection, I think the American system is more pragmatic.