"Some
time ago, I had the very good fortune to meet
(we have since become dear friends) with Kirk
Noble Bloodsworth, the first individual to be
exonerated from death row for a crime he did
not commit (1993). In many ways, Kirk,
and his wife, Brenda, have helped me (and countless
others - including many policy makers) to reshape
my professional and intellectual focus. I shall
forever be grateful to Kirk for inspiring me
to serve in a manner that reflects the best values
of our profession.
Simply stated, lawyers deal with liberty and property interests. But there
is so much more to understanding this formula. That is the business of
education and sound teaching . . . understanding both the burdens
and the privileges that our degrees and licenses bestow upon us. The values and
passions, as well as the logic, stirred by wrongful convictions point towards
something beyond any individual's particular injustice. Taken for what
they are, the 188 post conviction DNA exonerations (and counting) do not solve
problems, they just make some solutions possible. This has become an important
focus in my work and I can think of no better teaching instrument for understanding
the high stakes (much less the vital importance) of our profession.
I am grateful to be in a profession that allows me to follow my interests. I
am grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful faculty colleagues and students. But
more importantly, I am happy that at our Law School, we genuinely believe that
the welfare of the people is the highest law. Such is the challenge of
servant leadership. It is a value that you will find to be manifest in
all of the work of the Law School faculty and staff."
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