The Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic has filed an amicus brief in the case Philip Doe v. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, et al., urging the Georgia Supreme Court to grant certiorari in the case and overturn a decision by the state Court of Appeals. The brief argues that the lower court's decision is inconsistent with Georgia law and that it could deny justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. The brief was authored by Wilbanks CEASE Clinic Post-Graduate Fellow Melina D. Lewis and Director Emma M. Hetherington.
A free virtual legal clinic for Georgia veterans will happen on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Veterans in Northeast Georgia can access the clinic in person in Gainesville, Georgia. Veterans from other parts of the state can connect by webcam or telephone. The Georgia Veterans Outreach Project offers legal advice on issues important to veterans. Veterans must register in advance. They can call (706) 542-6439 or email uga.veteransclinic@gmail.com. Registration closes at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7.
The Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic received a favorable opinion in a case 2021 graduate Devin Mashman argued before the Supreme Court of Georgia. The case Harvey v. Merchan involved the choice of law and the constitutionality of the state's Hidden Predator Act. The court determined that the act's retroactive window is constitutional and that claims can go forward regardless of where they were committed. Mashman and second-year students Maigan Jenkins and Annefloor De Groot also assisted in writing the brief.
A free virtual legal webinar for Georgia renters who are worried about eviction and would like to learn more about their rights will take place Thursday, June 24, at noon. Sponsored by the University of Georgia School of Law's Public Interest Practicum and the Georgia Legal Services Program, the webinar will cover tenants' rights, Georgia's rental assistance programs and what will happen when the state's eviction moratorium expires on June 30.
Congratulations to second-year student Katherine L. "Katie" Payne for being a recipient of a National Association of Women Lawyers 2021 Outstanding Law Student Award. This honor recognizes her work as president of the law school's Women Law Students Association and her organization of several events related to women in the legal profession. She is one of approximately 30 students selected nationwide.