Student Scholarship Series, 2022

Washburn Law Journal will hold its 2022 Student Scholarship Series on Monday, January 31 and Monday, February 7, 2022, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. via Zoom for members to present their work.

NOTE: The Zoom link for these presentations is being sent to Washburn Law students, faculty, and staff via email. If you would like to attend and are not affiliated with the law school please send an email to Zach Smith, zachary.smith4@washburn.edu.

January 31, 2022 Presentation

Ande Davis will present "A Preponderance of Bias: Why Artificial Intelligence Should Be Qualified Immunity’s Fatal Flaw." Mr. Davis will discuss the intersections of law enforcement’s use of artificial intelligence and the doctrine of qualified immunity. In doing so, he will look at the radicalized backgrounds inherent in both to discuss how AI creates a gap within the qualified immunity doctrine that is particularly damaging to racial minorities in the U.S.

Febuary 7, 2022 Presentation

Connor Flairty will present "Knowledge is Power: A 'Knowing' Mens Rea for 'True Threats' Best Balances Protecting Legitimate Political Discourse and Prohibiting 'True Threats'." "True threats" are a categorical exception to free speech protection. While it is settled that threats can be criminalized, courts disagree on what mental state is constitutionally required. Some advocate for a heightened "purposeful intent" standard to protect hyperbolic political speech. Others urge for a lower "recklessness" standard to adequately punish threats and protect victims. Mr. Flairty will discuss how this issue arose from Supreme Court precedent, how state courts have approached the problem, and why a "knowing" mens rea standard offers the best solution - prohibiting legitimate "true threats" without punishing vital political discourse.