June 2011 Faculty Briefs

Susan Brenner, the NCR Distinguished Professor of Law and Technology, published an article, "Nanocrime?," in the University of Illinois Journal of Law, Technology & Policy. The article is available on the journal's website, but an account is required to access it. A similar draft of the article is available on the Social Sciences Research Network.

Here's the "Nanocrime?" abstract:

This article analyzes the use of nanotechnology to commit crimes. A great deal has been written about the societal implications of nanotechnology, and what has been often notes that criminals will exploit the technology for antisocial ends. But while many clearly believe the technology has the capacity for a dark side, no one has focused on how that dark side might manifest itself and on the legal issues the misuse of nanotechnology may generate. This article undertakes both tasks.

It begins with the premise that nanotechnology - like computer technology - is likely to be a profoundly transformative technology. It explains why nanotechnology is likely to have wide-ranging effects across various sectors of society and speculates that nanocrime may evolve in a fashion analogous to computer crime. The article then analyzes how nanotechnology might be used to commit crimes of various types and argues that if and when nanocrime emerges, we should not respond - as we did to computer crime - by adopting technologically specific criminal statutes. Instead, we should, insofar as possible, integrate nanocrime into existing criminal law.

Associate Professor Eric Chaffee is the co-chair and co-organizer, with Barbara Black from University of Cincinnati and Steven Davidoff from Ohio State, of the Midwest Corporate Law Scholars Conference at Ohio State's Moritz College of Law on June 15. The event will give corporate law scholars from around the country the opportunity to discuss their work. Chaffee will also present "Lending Regulation in Cyberspace: In Search of a Coherent Regulatory Scheme for Person-to-Person Lending" at the conference.

Chaffee also discussed "Land Use Planning and Indigenous Rights: A Critical Analysis of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act" at the Planning, Law, and Property Rights International Conference at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law, May 25-28; and "Securities Law in Cyberspace: The Regulation of Securities Markets in Virtual Societies" at the annual meeting of the Law and Society Association in San Francisco on June 3.

Professor Thomas Hagel is quoted in a recent Dayton Daily News article reporting on a controversial billboard the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, wanted to put up around Dayton. Hagel commented on the organization's right to post the billboard, though he described the intended message as being in "incredibly bad taste."

Professor Charlie Hallinan is quoted in a Cincinnati Enquirer article, "High stakes in casino fight," examining plans for four new casinos in Ohio and Governor John Kasich's proposal for increasing taxes on those operations. Hallinan commented on the ramifications if Ohio officials attempt to levy a new tax or fee on casinos through legislation.

Professors Sheila Miller and Susan Wawrose will present "Engaging in Primary Research: Using Surveys to Refine the Legal Writing Curriculum" at the 14th Biennial Conference of the Legal Writing Institute on Marco Island, Florida, on June 29. The presentation will focus on research Miller and Wawrose are gathering, along with Professor Victoria VanZandt, as part of the School of Law's Bench and Bar Outreach Project. The project is an effort to evaluate Dayton Law's legal writing curriculum against the demands and expectations of law practice by using surveys and focus groups to gather information from alumni and legal employers.

Adjunct Professor Vipal Patel, a local assistant U.S. attorney, is featured in a Dayton Daily News article commenting on reaction in Afghanistan to the death of Osama bin Laden. Patel, federal prosecutor and the chief of the criminal division for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio, is in Afghanistan this year as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Rule of Law program. He is serving as an advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Justice, Judiciary and other governmental and educational institutions.

Professor Vernellia R. Randall has published Planning for Effective Legal Education: A Workbook. The workbook guides both new and experienced teachers in the steps of course design and through a process of self-reflection and decision-making to help them be more effective teachers. The book ushers teachers through the various decision points in course planning: establishing course goals and objectives; selecting and arranging the content and skills to be taught; determining students' learning characteristics; selecting materials and resources, including caselaw; identifying appropriate teaching methods, including collaborative methods and online technology; and revising the course.

Associate Professor Tracy Reilly is quoted in a Dayton Daily News article, "Reynolds helps companies clean Internet's digital dirt," on managing your reputation online. Reilly provided insight on defamation laws that protect people and businesses from others publishing deliberately false and purposely harmful information about them.

Professor Richard Saphire is quoted in a Dayton Daily News article, "GOP, tea parties unite to put health care issue on Nov. 8 ballot," examining an effort to put on the Ohio ballot a constitutional amendment that could exempt Ohio from the individual mandate in the federal health care law.

Professor Andrea Seielstad will participate in a panel, Technology in Legal Problem Solving, at the 2011 Conference on the Future of the Law School Curriculum, sponsored by the Association of American Law Schools, on June 16 in Seattle.

Tim Swensen, assistant dean and director of career services, discusses the legal market and how the Dayton Law Career Services Office assists students and alumni in a video produced by the Ohio Bar Association. The video is part of a series, "New lawyer video resources," from the Ohio Bar Association. The series also includes advice or information on training requirements, pro bono opportunities, networking and Ohio's court system.

Professor Blake Watson spoke at a symposium, "The Future of International Law in Indigenous Affairs: The Doctrine of Discovery, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States," hosted by Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, on April 25. Watson discussed the American doctrine of discovery as applied in New Zealand and Australia.