Legal Projects with International Justice Mission and Alliance Defending Freedom

As a first semester member of the CGJ Student Staff, I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to get my bearings and really delve into the projects I’ve been assigned.

Student Staff Member Corrie Lee

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work on two impactful projects with two different organizations this semester: International Justice Mission (IJM) and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). My first couple of weeks were heavily focused on the ADF project. I am monitoring cases going before the European Court of Human Rights and sending weekly reports to Dean Walton and the ADF team, including cases that ADF might have an interest in intervening on.

As you can probably imagine, the cases going before the Court are atrocious crimes against humanity. Many cases include loss of life, property, religious freedom, or expression -- freedoms we enjoy so lavishly here in the United States. Reading over these cases has given me a new appreciation for the work the Center and ADF do, as well as, the blessings I receive as a United States citizen.

Now that I’ve got my feet firmly planted in the ADF project, I’ve shifted a significant portion of my time to the IJM project. My team is working on drafting a research memo regarding gender-based violence in Uganda. We’ve split the work into separate pieces so it’s more manageable, and I am focusing on the laws, regulations, and procedures that are in place to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice student staff member.  The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

Student Staff Projects for Fall 2016

To provide Regent Law students with practical experience in the legal protection of human rights, students volunteer with the center each semester for a minimum of 5 hours/week. Here is an overview of the projects that our student staff members are working on this semester:

IJM Uganda: International Justice Mission Uganda fights land grabbing, a terrible problem that affects thousands of widows and orphans in Uganda. In order to aid IJM's work, the Center is expanding a legal memo it drafted last semester on the legal doctrine of res judicata. The Center's memo will help IJM decide the best legal strategy to bring civil suits on behalf of widows whose land was stolen.

Kyampisi Childcare Ministries: KCM is a nonprofit organization in Uganda that fights child sacrifice. In order to aid KCM in its work of monitoring child sacrifice cases, as well as aid prosecutors, the Center is putting together a legal manual that outlines the steps involved in a child sacrifice case, applicable charges for the defendant, and various legal issues that will have to be addressed to have a successful prosecution.

Handong: The Center works in partnership with Handong International Law School to advance the rule of law and expand religious freedom in Mongolia.  This semester, the Center is drafting a legal memorandum relating to the implementation of homeschooling in Mongolia.

Shared Hope: Every semester the Center supports Shared Hope with the Protected Innocence Challenge (PIC).  The PIC is a 50-state survey designed to improve the laws of all 50 states as they relate to the sex trafficking of children. This semester, the Center is analyzing whether each state has vacatur laws that allow minor sex trafficking victims to have any convictions that resulted or related to their trafficking vacated rather than merely expunged.  When a sentence is vacated, it is completely erased from all existence, as opposed to expungement, which normally just seals the records of the conviction.  Vacation of a sentence thus offers greater protection to the victim.

Turkey Project: This semester the Center is planning on writing a short book that discusses the legal framework regarding secularism and religious freedom in Turkey.  Turkey is a very strategic country, situated between the west and the east, mostly Muslim but constitutionally secular, etc.  Recent events in Turkey, however, have the potential to upset this balance and make Turkey another Islamic state.  The booklet is thus intended to explain Turkey's constitutional commitment  to secularism and guarantee of the Free Exercise of Religion and (2) the illegality of many of the government's recent actions, including the ongoing state support of mosques. We intend to use the booklet as a means to educate those in Turkey about what Turkish law actually says and requires.

African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights: The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the body responsible for overseeing and implementing the major human rights treaty for Africa. The Center for Global Justice is currently praying about whether to become a certified non-profit organization (NGO) before the ACHPR, which hosts two sessions every year in order to address the status of human rights in the continent. Center Executive Director, Professor Jeffrey Brauch, will be attending the next session, which is to be held in The Gambia in October. We are drafting a legal memo on the ACPHR to help us identify if and how we can be involved and to better understand the major human rights issues that need to be addressed from a biblical perspective.

ADF International: As always, the Center is partnering with ADF International to monitor all cases before the European Court of Human Rights to ensure that we identify all cases on which ADF should intervene.

Jerusalem Institute of Justice: This semester the Center is continuing a project from last semester for JIJ on the Palestinian refugees. One of the primary points of disagreement between Israel and Palestine is what to do with the Palestinian refugees.  Palestine claims all refugees have a "right to return" to Israel. Israel claims that no such right exists.  We are analyzing the legal situation of the refugees, specifically looking at whether a future (or existing?) state of Palestine has an obligation under International Law to grant citizenship to the refugees.

Student Staff Project Update: Olga Pazilova

Olga Pazilova, Class of 2018

I joined Center for Global Justice Student Staff in January 2016, and it has been one of the best law school experiences for me so far. I had the opportunity to attend several interesting events, including a Women’s Rights Symposium; I have a great international internship this summer, all thanks to the Center. But most importantly, I joined because I strongly believe in the Center’s mission and admire the work it does: fighting human trafficking, advocating equal justice, promoting Rule of Law, etc.  I believe it is important for us, as legal professionals, to be the voice for those who suffer from oppression and discrimination. This is why I joined Center’s Student Staff; I wanted to be a part of the organization that strives to change the world for the better.

I currently work on a very interesting project. I am, along with two other students, monitoring all new cases that come before the European Court of Human Rights for the purpose of identifying cases on which Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) might want to intervene. ADF is a nonprofit legal organization that advocates for people’s right to practice their faith, among other things. Thus, we primarily look for cases concerning religious freedom. While reviewing the cases, however, I get chance to read through all kinds of international cases concerning every area of law. It’s been very interesting learning experience to read about different laws and procedures in other countries, and about different struggles people going through in different parts of the world.

Olga Pazilova, Class of 2018

Student Staff Project Update: Michaela Pannell

This semester I have been working on two projects. The first project is an ogoing project that the Center does every semester, and a project which I worked on last semester. I, along with other students, have been monitoring all new cases that come before the European Court of Human Rights to see if ADF (Alliance Defending Freedom) might want to intervene. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to continue assisting ADF. Last semester was my first time working on the Student Staff, and right when I was beginning to feel comfortable, and (semi) competent with the work, it was the end of the semester. Feeling like I am doing some work long enough to produce good work product has been beneficial and encouraging this semester.

The second project I have been working on is with IJM (International Justice Mission). We have been researching and summarizing cases related to the unlawful taking of property in Uganda. I have found myself reading so many interesting cases that I just loose track of time. I sometimes thought researching U.S. cases was difficult, but having to research cases of another country has been the most frustrating and educational aspect for me.

I am taking an International Human Rights class this semester. In that class, we have learned about the European and African human rights systems. Being able to learn in class about the various systems and then to see it in real life through the work we do for the Center has been very rewarding.

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” –Nelson Mandela

Michaela Pannell ('17)

Partner Organization Highlight: Alliance Defending Freedom

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

Alliance Defending Freedom advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith. As an alliance-building legal organization, ADF unites attorneys, ministry leaders, pastors, and like-minded organizations in a common purpose: defending religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and marriage and family.

Recognizing the need for a strong, coordinated legal defense against growing attacks on religious freedom, more than 30 prominent Christian leaders launched Alliance Defending Freedom in 1994. Five exceptional men took a leading role in forming this legal organization, and set the high standard of excellence and good stewardship that we continue to abide by today:

• Dr. Bill Bright (Founder, Cru)
• Larry Burkett (Co-founder, Crown Financial Ministries)
• Dr. James C. Dobson (Founder, Family Talk)
• Dr. D. James Kennedy (former Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church)
• Marlin Maddoux (former Host, “Point of View” radio program)

The Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law supports ADF’s Vienna, Austria office, helping defend religious freedom and unborn children in Europe. Student Staff members help draft case summaries for ADF’s digital legal library, monitor all cases before the European Court of Human Rights to determine in which cases the Center and ADF may want to be involved, and occasionally assist with legal research projects for ADF briefs.

To see where some of our students have interned or worked on pro bono projects for ADF, click here >

Student Staff Update: Michael Aiello

Michael is a legal graduate assistant and student staff member for the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. 

A sexually oriented business, e.g. an adult movie theater, porn shop, etc., opens in your town. Yourself and other citizens are concerned about the undesirable secondary effects it will have on your community such as increasing crime rates, reduction in the town’s retail trail, lowering property values, and reducing the quality of neighborhoods and urban life. This leads you to ask, “what can be done?”

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a manual explaining how a local community can legally regulate a sexually oriented business? You’re in luck, there is! The Community Defense Counsel and Alliance Defending Freedom originally created the manual titled, Protecting Communities from Sexually Oriented Businesses.

Currently, the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law is working with The National Center on SexualExploitation (NCOSE) to update this manual. NCOSE’s mission is to oppose sexual exploitation and defending human dignity. Their areas of focus include combating sex trafficking, abating the harmful effects of pornography, and regulating sexually oriented businesses.

The manual outlines multiple approaches on how to regulate a sexually oriented business. My team specifically is researching time, place, manner restrictions, a sub-category of Free Speech rights. All of which can be used by a local government and people to protect their community.

Twenty Days of Interns: Natasha Delille

This summer, 20 Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law interns are spread across four states and ten countries, going not only with the Gospel, but also with legal training and a passion to see the Lord’s justice carried out on a fallen earth.

Natasha started off her summer interning with ADF International, a Christian law firm based in Vienna, Austria that works to develop legal strategies that protect religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage and family around the world. Natasha was primarily responsible for researching topics such as the rights of the unborn child and drafting letters to the European Court of Human Rights.

Natasha later interned at Freedom Firm, a non-profit organization that works to combat sex trafficking in India by rescuing minor girls who have been sold into the commercial sex trade, restoring their identities, and seeking justice against those who perpetrate these crimes. Natasha is interning at Freedom Firm's office in Pune where Regent Law alum, Evan Henck, is the Regional Director. Natasha has travelled to different cities in India to hear Freedom Firm's cases argued in the High Courts, conducted legal research, and she has drafted a letter to the Commissioner of Police.

Whether fighting sex trafficking in India and Indonesia, advocating against partial-birth abortion in Europe, advancing the rule of law in Uganda, or securing religious freedom in Bulgaria and South Africa, our interns are making a difference.

See where all of our interns are working here >

Donate to our Internship Grant Program >

Center Intern Update: Natasha Delille

The following is a summer intern update from Natasha Delille.  Natasha is interning at ADF International, an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

Sometimes it’s Best to Just Jump Right In!

My Office

The scariest thing about starting at my new internship with ADF International's Vienna office was that I had never had a legal internship and I was worried that I would not know what to do. Oh, I almost forgot to add that I would be flying all the way to Vienna, Austria, for my internship at ADF International.

What does interning at an international firm entail?

ADF International works on religious freedom, sanctity of life, and marriage cases that go to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Interning at an international firm that works with cases that go to the ECtHR means that when conducting research I have to look up the laws of the European Union, individual Member States, laws from non-EU countries, and international charters. 

Through my research I am learning a lot about the respective roles of the different European courts and international treaties.

What have I worked on?

The Organization for Security & Co-Operation
in Europe (OSCE) Conference During a Break

During my second week at ADF International, I attended a conference at the Organization for Security and Cooperation at Europe (OSCE), located at the Hofburg Palace in Vienta, on enhancing efforts to prevent and combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians, focusing on hate crimes, exclusion, marginalisation and denial of rights. The conference was attended by delegates from more than 30 Member States, legal scholars, clergymen, lawyers, representatives from NGOs, and a Regent Law student. Throughout the conference speakers discussed the different acts of discrimination and violence that Christians in their countries are facing. The goal of the conference was to raise awareness and to discuss effective ways to report and combat these acts of violence and discrimination. 

At the OSCE Conference

During the past few weeks I have assisted with the research and drafting of letters to the European Court of Human Rights seeking permission for ADF International to intervene in cases and a memorandum to members of the parliamentary assembly. I have also have conducted research on topics such as the rights of unborn children, home school education, sex education, and transgendered civil status.

So, has it been as scary as I thought it would be?

Not at all! The work environment is great and I really feel like I am part of the team. My assignments have been challenging and eye opening. It has been such a blessing to have the opportunity to intern at ADF International and work on some of the complex issues that affect Europe. I think that one of the greatest things was to see some of the topics that I researched mentioned in the news and in blogs; it proved just how relevant and necessary ADF International’s work is.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” - Colossians 3:23

Student Staff Update: Anton Sorkin

My involvement with the Center for Global Justice began in the spring semester of my 2L year. I remember being interviewed by Ernie the December prior to and badgering him incessantly to let me focus my involvement exclusively in the area of religious liberty. Ever since that semester, I’ve been able to focus my efforts on the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR or Court) with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

Most weeks, the ECtHR releases new judgments and communicated cases (on HUDOC) indicating past and future decisions, respectively. My task was to read through those judgments and cases and compile a full database flagging those cases I considered relevant in the stated mission of ADF (usually Articles 8, 9, 11, 12, 14). The purpose of this was to give ADF attorneys in Vienna an opportunity to intervene by filing amicus briefs before the Court (assuming application was accepted). These briefs were meant to ensure that the Court protected basic human rights consistent with a Christian worldview. Most recently, I was given an opportunity to research and write a portion of a brief filed in the case of Shioshvili v. Russia where a pregnant mother was subjected to inhuman treatment by the Russian authorities and in the process lost her unborn child. Our hope in filing this brief was for the Court to acknowledge the inherent value of unborn life and the serious impact of the loss of this life on the mother. 

Along with monitoring HUDOC every week, I was also involved in the work of creating an International Library compiling all relevant international cases that may prove useful to ADF. I spent time over fall break researching the various international tribunals (e.g. Court of Justice of the European Union, Inter-American Court of Human Rights) where lower case decisions are typically brought for “final appeal.” This proved fruitful in my own education having now spent time looking at the sophisticated (or not) online databases for these various tribunals and being stunned at how much more advanced and efficient the American and European systems seem to be.

My work with the Center has helped lay a strong foundation for my religious liberties concentration on an international level. This work has given me an opportunity to develop numerous relationships with experts in the field as well as securing internships with major religious liberty organizations. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and for the Center, and my hope is that the University continues to invest resources in developing the program for future students.


Learn more about the student staff at www.regent.edu/centerstaff >