Seeking Justice: Presented by Shared Hope

On September 25, 2018, the Center for Global Justice welcomed Sarah Breyer and Christine Raino from one of our partner organizations, Shared Hope International. Sarah and Christine came to Regent to share their organization’s mission and legislative goals.

Shared Hope International works to prevent human trafficking through training, awareness, and collaboration and restore those who are victims of human trafficking by sharing stories of hope.

Sarah and Christine shared about the Protected Innocence Challenge, what Christine called their “core state policy project.” Christine discussed the variety of approaches the states undertake in addressing human trafficking victims and why this is such an issue. In many states and under federal law, children that are bought and sold for sex acts are classified as “victims” but still face criminal charges for prostitution. As someone sitting in the audience, it was shocking to hear that the most vulnerable among us who are truly victims of others heinous acts are now being charged for the crimes arising of their trafficking.

Sarah shared that many states charge minors for sex crimes as a means to get the minors out of their trafficker's hand. While this may be good in theory, Sarah pointed out a key flaw in this logic: if the first contact a minor has with the criminal justice system is being processed and charged for a crime committed against them it often leads to distrust of the system. Further, there are much better options, like safe homes, that the states can utilize to get victims out of their abusers’ hands without having to cause more trauma to the victim. These options empower victims to seek restoration and redefine their future.

Find out more about Shared Hope International here.

Regent Law Welcomes Anti-Human Trafficking Victim Advocate Ann Carey

On April 23, 2018, Regent University School of Law hosted Ann Carey, anti-Human trafficking victim advocate for Samaritan House. Carey has 30 years' experience as a litigation attorney, mediator, arbitrator, counselor, and executive director of a non-profit crisis center. 

Carey began her presentation by affirming that her profession is not a job—it is a calling. She then explained how Hampton Roads—because of its location, military presence, and large at-risk youthful population, has become a prime area for human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a crime that affects all citizens of the community, and each good standing member of the society must do everything possible to diminish, if not abolish, it. Carey then explained her role as a victim advocate. Because of her extensive legal experience, God uniquely equipped Carey to attack this issue by providing trafficking survivors with comprehensive legal assistance. Trafficking victims have various legal needs, whether it be obtaining visas, securing a protective order, advocating for custody of minor children, or ensuring that the victims are not charged as criminals. She goes far beyond being a legal counselor; she supports victims to better their lives.

While many still view trafficking victims as criminals, Carey encouraged the audience to embrace survivors as what they really are--human beings that have been severely victimized. Human trafficking survivors, regardless of sex, race, or age, are never victims by choice, but by desperation and manipulation.

Carey's presentation identified that human trafficking is still silenced in our general community. Her presentation reminded Regent Law students to actively pursue justice, especially in the area of human rights—and there are many avenues for each person to make an impact right here in this community.

This event was sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

Combatting a Flourishing Darkness: Regent Law Hosts Symposium on Human Trafficking

There are more slaves in the world now than there has ever been in history — roughly 45.8 million. For some, that’s 45.8 million too many.

On Friday, March 23, Regent University’s School of Law hosted the 4th Annual Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy Symposium on Human Trafficking.

The Symposium was hosted by the Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy;
the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law;
and the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association

Two panels of three speakers each presented findings, cases, issues and solutions surrounding the global industry.

The first provided an overview of the causes of human trafficking and the forms it takes both domestically and internationally — a bird’s eye view of sorts. The second took a closer look at the difficulties in combatting the issue locally.

Panel 1: International Sex and Labor Trafficking

“It occurs everywhere in every part of society, in the wealthiest parts of society and the poorest parts of society, and all over the world,” said Dr. Jeffrey Brauch, Regent University School of Law LL.M. program director and executive director for the Center for Global Justice.

He believes human trafficking stems from a “basic problem about the way we see human beings.”

Organ trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking and forcing children into soldiering are the main four forms.

“[Human trafficking] reflects the depravity of the human heart … that’s part of what takes place in human trafficking,” he said. “The other thing is, I think this can only occur in every form human trafficking, because people view others … as objects, to be used, to be bought, or sold.”

Among various social and economic issues, LAW alumna Sarah Breyer ’16 discussed how “cultural attitudes” toward people like women and children are a chief issue as they create an environment in which human trafficking thrives.

Her organization, Shared Hope, drafts a report in which each state in the United States is evaluated on its anti-human trafficking policy and laws, and provides a recommendation of positive steps law and policymakers can take.

They also equip ambassadors to educate others about the dangers of human trafficking and how to not only recognize it but also to protect their community from it.

“Informed communities mean informed families,” said Breyer. “Informed families can better protect their children, and those children can better protect their peers.”

Following Breyer, Laura Lederer of Global Centurion — an anti-human trafficking non-profit — shared findings on the health-related issues victims of trafficking experience; 99 percent have a general health problem, 95.1 percent experienced some form of physical violence, 88 percent undergo depression, and 84 percent admitted to abusing substances.

Aside from those, Laderer said 45 percent of trafficking victims attempt suicide, five times the rate of the national average.

LAW alumna Danielle Gallaher ’14 opened the second panel. In her talk, Gallaher, the Delaware County, Pennsylvania Assistant District Attorney for the Special Victims, discussed the struggles and triumphs a prosecutor faces when working cases pertaining to trafficking.

Panel 2: Domestica Human Trafficking from a Law Enforcement Perspective

“I want to orient you guys to the prosecution of sex crimes in general,” said Gallaher. “If you don’t understand that dynamic, you’re not gonna understand sex trafficking.”

LAW alumnus Scott Alleman ’02 understands prosecution well — and human trafficking too.

“These types of cases really do have difficulties involved, even more so than a regular sexual assault one,” said Alleman, sharing experience from a 15-year career as a prosecutor working human trafficking cases. “Sexual assault cases are the most difficult to try as a prosecutor.”

As a prosecutor, Alleman said one of the greatest challenges he’s faced in these cases is the argument that a suspect’s actions were consensual.

Sometimes traffickers control their victims with fear and manipulation according to Alleman — manipulation to the extent that many sex workers and trafficked women involved in the cases he handled, defended their exploiters in court.

And sometimes, the money to be made, or the temporary and feigned affirmation pimp’s often offer, entice some to willingly become sex workers.

Regardless of their reason for entering the horrific industry, all “just want someone to say, ‘You’ve got value,’” said Alleman.

As a local combatant of human trafficking, Ebony Velasquez, the Human Trafficking Task Force coordinator for the Office of the Attorney General in the Commonwealth of Virginia, shared her experience working on the homefront in the Hampton Roads area.

Areas such as this, which experiences relatively heavy tourism and travel — Hampton Roads has an international airport and the third largest shipping port on the east coast — are prime targets for traffickers, Velasquz said.

“[Human trafficking] destroys a sense of community; it destroys the quality of life in that community,” said keynote speaker and School of Law professor Kathleen McKee.

Banquet Lunch with Regent Law Professor Kathleen McKee

She compared the dilemma to, “a puzzle that doesn’t come with a picture on top.”

“For that puzzle to be fully assembled, it requires every person in this room to be informed and engaged,” McKee said. “Informed as to what trafficking is, informed as to who the other players in detecting trafficking are, and encouraging that they are trained to be able to detect the signs of human trafficking and engaged.”

Center for Global Justice Hosts Fifth Annual Guardian Ad Litem CLE

On March 29, 2018, Virginia Continuing Legal Education (Virginia CLE) and Regent University’s Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law partnered together to bring an amazing opportunity to those seeking to become Guardians Ad Litem (GAL) in the state of Virginia.

GALs in Virginia are bar certified Virginia attorneys appointed by courts to represent children or incompetent adults in a variety of court proceedings. Although certification procedures for each category of guardians are different, one of the major requirements for certifying as a GAL for children is to take the seven credit “Representing Children as a Guardian ad Litem”

The CLE/Certification course is offered jointly by Virginia CLE and the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Regent Law students and attorneys alike attended the Representation of Children as a Guardian Ad Litem training program. The CLE program featured five video lectures of qualified experts who outlined the court and filing procedures, qualifications for becoming a certified GAL in the state of Virginia, and the roles and responsibilities of a GAL.

Attendees learned that a GAL is just one part of the entire process from the filing of a case to the closing of an appeal. Third-year law students who plan to take the Virginia bar exam this summer or in February will have two years to complete the GAL certification process. Upon passing the bar, those students will send in their attendance certification forms to the Virginia Supreme Court and State Bar and be one step closer to changing the lives of children in Virginia.

Professor Jeffrey Brauch Discusses his New Book, Flawed Perfection

On Tuesday, Professor Jeffrey Brauch, Executive Director of the Center for Global Justice, discussed his book, Flawed Perfection: What It Means to Be Human and Why It Matters for Culture, Politics, and Law, at a luncheon hosted by the Center.

Prof. Brauch started off by telling the story of Asia Graves, a 16-year-old who was homeless and forced into prostitution. Not only did Asia’s captor fail to recognize her inherent value and worth, but Asia herself failed to acknowledge that she was not an object to be used and abused.

In a world like ours with dozens of talking heads constantly ranting about human rights and freedoms, how does forced prostitution still happen? The numbers Professor Brauch shared were astounding. 45.8 million people are enslaved in some form today. 800,000 people are trafficked across borders every day. 5.5 million children are trafficked worldwide. Age 12-14 is the average age at which sexually exploited girls are forced into prostitution. Perhaps most shockingly, $150.2 billion are earned every year through human trafficking, making it the fasting growing criminal activity in the world.

Flawed Perfection is about recognizing that the only way to understand and properly address issues of law and policy is to get human nature right. Our flawed human nature and depraved hearts are at the core of the human rights issues we face today, and the only way to address and rectify the situation is to understand that humans are made in the image of God, fallen, and morally accountable. 

Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledged that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, this has done little to prevent modern atrocities and genocides. Prof. Brauch discussed that some countries have even adopted conventions and then used their language to undermine fundamental rights or use them as a wall to “hide behind”. These issues stem from the modern human rights movement (1) inadequate understanding of the nature and source of human dignity, and (2) failure to fully acknowledge the depth of human sinfulness.

The key issue right now is the need to recalibrate to be able to enforce and promote fundamental human rights to life and liberty, so women like Asia are no longer subjected to the harsh reality of human trafficking and prostitution.

View his talk below:

The CGJ Welcomes Mike Donnelly, Director of Global Outreach for the Home School Legal Defense Association

On November 6, the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law (CGJ) had the privilege of hosting Mike Donnelly, Staff Attorney and Director of Global Outreach at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).

Donnelly coordinates support of parental rights and homeschooling freedom around the world, including in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. During his talk at Regent Law, he explored ideas and theories of international human rights laws, rule of law, and globalization in the practical context of his human rights litigation.

Donnelly recently wrote a paper, “Democracy and Sovereignty vs. International Human Rights: Reconciling the Irreconcilable?” He used this paper as a context to discuss case studies related to parental rights and homeschooling, including Wunderlich v. Germany, the story of a homeschooling family whose children were taken from them because they homeschooled. The case is pending before the court and will have a major impact on human rights and homeschooling in Europe and the World.

Students were educated and challenged to think about the international human rights movement and the conflict between rights and democracy.

Center Executive Director, Jeffrey Brauch, commented: "It was a joy to have Mike Donnelly with us. In addition to talking about home schooling rights, he challenged our students about the need for to find a firm and universal foundation for all of human rights. We look forward to working with him in the months and years to come."

CGJ Welcomes Julie and Allen Anjo

On September 19, the Center for Global Justice welcomed guest speakers Julie and Allen Anjo, General Counsel for YMAM.  The Anjos have close connections with Regent Law: Julie worked in the Regent Law Admissions department and Allen is a Regent Law and Government grad (’13), and the Anjos often host Center for Global Justice summer interns.

Allen and Julie Anjo (and their children) with (L to R) Professor Jeffrey Brauch and CGJ Law Staff Members
Anna Colby, Moriah Schmidt, Lorri Ann Drazan, Courtney Know, and Destinee Easley

The Anjos spoke to the group on their mission of bringing justice for the least of these and how they live it out day-to-day through the General Counsel’s office at the University of the Nations Kona (UNK) (a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Kona).

Julie spoke of how she was drawn to law school after seeing problems that she could not fix as a layperson. As General Counsel for a non-profit missionary organization, they are making a huge difference by keeping the organization compliant with legal standards and policies, among other things.

Center for Global Justice intern Moriah Schmidt was especially excited to welcome the Anjos. Moriah interned for the Anjos this summer at the UNK General Counsel’s office, in Kona, Hawaii. “I can’t tell you just how encouraging it is to hear that the work we are doing in law school really does matter,” said Moriah. “It’s so easy to lose sight of that while drowning in 1L Contracts and Property law, or sinking in the work that piles on during 2L and 3L year. Some of us (like myself) were drawn to law to help those who are needy, the oppressed, the poor, but find it much harder to visualize how we are going to act on it.”

Read Allen’s profile story at http://bit.ly/allenanjo.

Better Together—A Global Problem Deserves a Global Response

This post was written by CGJ student staff member Debbie Stieglitz.  Read about Debbie's internship in Uganda here >

On Monday, October 31, Regent University School of Law students were treated to hearing from Evan Henck and Abishek Jebaraj about the sex trafficking and bond slavery trade in India and the efforts being done to fight back.

Evan Henck is a Regent Law graduate and worked for Freedom Firm in India for seven years.  Evan oversaw all of Freedom Firm’s investigations and rescues, aftercare of the survivors, and legal follow up, and he was integral part in each step of Freedom Firm’s mission—Rescue, Restoration and Justice.  He currently serves on Freedom Firm’s U.S. Board of Directors and is an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Grayson County.

Abishek Jebaraj is the India General Counsel at Justice Ventures International (JVI).  Abishek has spearheaded the India Southern Regions operations and served as a member of JVI’s India National Leadership Team.  Also joining Abishek was Washington and Lee professor and JVI board member David Eggert.

In India, the spread of sex trafficking and bond slavery is largely driven due to the poor economic status of the majority of the people.  It is not uncommon for a sex trafficker to show up in a remote village, make promises to a girl’s family of a job in the big city, take the girl back with him, and the reality is the girl is now being forced into sex slavery.  Another common occurrence, and even more disturbing, is that a girl’s own family will sell their own daughter to a brothel to pay off family debts.  It is these problems that Freedom Firm and Justice Ventures International are fighting to stop.

L to R: Jeffrey Brauch, Evan, Abishek, David, and Ernie Walton

Evan and Abishek, during their work to legally prosecute the traffickers and help rescue girls from brothels, discovered that by working together more work could be done.  Many times, NGOs tend to focus on one specific problem in one specific area.  But as was mentioned by Evan, “we are not trying to re-invent the wheel here.”  By joining forces in India, both groups were able to extend their reach and effect more change.

When I was in Uganda this summer, these same sex trafficking and bond slavery issues were being fought against too. What struck me when listening to Evan and Abishek is that the same tactics to “lure” young girls into being sold are the exact same tactics that are used in Africa.  Seeing how well the two organizations in India worked together and the benefits of joining forces instead of being singularly focused made me think, “Why can’t several NGOs all over the world work together to fight sex trafficking and bond slavery.”  If we are “not re-inventing the wheel” at least some of the successful tactics used in India should be able to cross over to other parts of the world.  Since sex trafficking and bonded slavery is a global issue, it is long past time we begin to work together towards a global answer.

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. 

Why Religiously Affiliated Law Schools Should be Deeply and Proactively Engaged with the #BlackLivesMatter Movement

The following blog post is written by CGJ student staff member Courtney Marasigan, who attended Regent Law's recent RALS Conference.

On September 30, 2016, Regent Law faculty hosted the biennial Conference of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools. As a student, it was a privilege to attend and hear professors grapple with contentious topics from a religious perspective. I found Dean Robert Vischer’s talk most enthralling. Dean Vischer, of St. Thomas University, presented about “Institutional Engagement & Institutional Mission – Why Religiously Affiliated Law Schools Should be Deeply and Proactively Engaged with the #BlackLivesMatter Movement” as part of the Pursuing Global Justice panel.

Dean Robert Vischer

He asserted that religiously affiliated law schools are best equipped—due to our theology and moral formation—to address the ongoing protests and racial unrest plaguing the nation. As powerful as this notion is, his responses during the Q&A following his presentation struck me even more. One attendee asked Dean Vischer how to handle conversations discussing racial injustice when the other person in the conversation brings up high profile cases that, based on a strictly rational view of the facts in that case alone, may not be legitimate.

Dean Vischer began his response by appealing to the tendency of our legal minds to jump to rational analyses in any given situation. It is true that it might not make sense to talk about individual landmark cases juxtaposed to smaller cases with completely different sets of facts. However, Dean Vischer reminded us that these events and the Black Lives Matter movement as a whole have a deeper, emotional level to them that surpasses mere reason. Thus, Dean Vischer exhorted attendees to remember that a person’s response to these events is not just about the events themselves. Instead, there’s a much “longer, broader, messier history” at play that underlies the Black Lives Matter movement that a large portion of America simply does not want to acknowledge or deal with.

In order to become involved in the movement, Dean Vischer explained that a 10,000-foot view cannot be our primary experience. Instead, we must make deliberate decisions to step outside of our comfort zones, “and stay out.” Even if we choose not to attend protests, we can simply reach out and listen to an individual’s story to better appreciate the underlying frustrations underlying the entire movement. Moreover, being cognizant of our rational tendencies will facilitate our ability to empathize on a one-on-one basis.

I am grateful that Dean Vischer tackled this topic and shared his personal experiences with us. If we, as one human race, are to affect any social change, we must first work to understand each other.

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. 

CGJ Hosts Dorothy Taft

On September 20, 2016, the students at Regent University had the pleasure of hearing from Dorothy Taft on her work and insights on combating human trafficking around the world.

Dorothy has worked for the US Agency for International Development's Office of Democracy and Governance, the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the US House of Representatives.  During her service in the public sphere, she was involved in the development and implementation of the International Religious Freedom Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

The International Religious Freedom Act made religious freedom a priority for US-international relations.  In promoting the freedom of religion and conscience for all, societies are more stable and the US has served as a beacon in this regard for emerging democracies.  The act also mandates that the State Department annually identify Countries of Particular Concern for violating religious freedoms.  The Trafficking Victims Protection Act was passed in 2000 and continues to be updated with the latest fine-tuning signed into law in 2013.  The TVPA set a high standard not only for the US to prevent human trafficking, but as many as 169 other countries have begun to follow suit and implemented varying degrees of anti-trafficking laws in the last 15 years.

While Dorothy did amazing work serving in the public sphere, she knew that these measures were not the whole answer to the problem of human trafficking.  It is important for the rule of law to support human dignity and to seek out where people are being trafficked and stop the practice. But that is only half the battle, according to Dorothy.  

The need for healing is the other half of the story, and healing and dignity-affirming work are best achieved through the private sector. She is co-founder of a non-for-profit called The Market Project.



The Market Project creates businesses that are trauma-informed and encourage healing. Through well-researched market opportunities, a business can keep workers employed through the power of the market.  Research has shown that work is a critical part of the healing process for someone who has experienced complex trauma.  Work restores a person's sense of purpose by being able to provide for themselves and others.  The Market Project seeks to address the “work” gap that is missing in the healing process.

An example of what The Market Project does can be seen in Uganda.  There, The Market Project has business that produces a drinkable yogurt.  About a dozen employees produce and distribute the yogurt directly to its customer base.  Employees that have struggled with HIV+, chronic poverty, and being orphaned now are learning new marketable skills.  The company is poised to expand in the coming months and will be able to hire an additional 25 more employees.

The ultimate goal of these businesses is to teach new and marketable skills to trauma survivors so that they are gainfully employed. Some are developing management skills for future leadership opportunities.  The other goal is for each business to be earned out by its employees.

The Market Project addresses a key need for survivors of human trafficking and other trauma.  Individuals become trafficked for many reasons, but one factor that is most often present is poverty.  Once a person is removed from enslavement, there is still a need for work.  When survivors struggle to find safe work after being removed from such a traumatic experience, they often are vulnerable to being re-victimized. It is this profound need, for gainful employment post enslavement, that the Market Project strives to address.

Dorothy wrapped up her presentation using a beautiful metaphor on how survivors of trauma or human trafficking may be considered.  As Muhammed Yunus has posited, the poor are like a bonsai tree.  By reason of the tree’s circumstances its growth has been stunted and no room has allowed it to flourish.  But, a bonsai is  beautiful. Though the seed had all the potential to be a vigorous and mighty oak tree, nourishment and space have been deprived. Trauma survivors too have been stunted in their ability to flourish, but that is not the end of their story.  The Market Project helps these individuals see their beauty as a person created in the image of God.  Unlike a bonsai tree, stuck in a small planter, The Market Project is there to foster growth and allow the survivor of human trafficking to flourish.

Guardian Ad Litem CLE for Virginia Attorneys

The Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law is privileged to host the Virginia CLE's Representation of Children as a Guardian ad Litem program. This 7-credit CLE is required for all attorneys seeking to receive their certification as Guardians ad Litem in Virginia. (Find all qualification standards here.)

Third-year law students will receive 7 CLE credits that can be applied to their post-bar Virginia CLE requirements.

First and second year students are permitted to attend for educational purposes, but they will not receive credit or the course specific materials.

Cost

• Free to all third-year Regent Law students.
• $149.00 for attorneys seeking Virginia CLE credit hours.

RSVP

• Attorneys please click here to register through VA CLE >
• Students please fill out this form >

Registration: 8:00 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
MCLE Credit: 7.0 (Ethics: 2.0; GAL Child: 7.0)
Live-Interactive Credit: 0.0
This program is a video replay of a live seminar held in September 2014.

For more information, visit www.regent.edu/guardianadlitem >

Positive and Negative Rights

The following blog post is written by Hadil, an LL.M. student from Syria who recently arrived in the United States. Read her introductory blog post here >

Hadil

One of the most confusing concepts surrounding the protection of human rights is that some of the nations with the greatest constitutions affording the greatest number of rights to its people have committed some of the most egregious human rights violations. Professor Stern’s lecture on positive and negative rights cast some light on why this has occurred.

In order to understand why such vast granting of rights could have resulted in the complete lack of actual rights is centralized around the difference between positive and negative rights. Negative rights are protections from certain acts by a government. They restrict the government from taking specified actions against its people. Positive rights on the other hand are generalized rights that are given to people and can only be fulfilled if the government acts. An example of a positive right is the “right to shelter.” For example, the right to shelter could be violated without a government ever having existed to provide that shelter. Negative rights, however, will always be fulfilled absent government action. Take Double Jeopardy, the right not to be tried for the same offense more than once. If there was no government to prosecute a person for a crime, they could never be convicted twice. Or consider the right to freedom of speech. If there was not government to pass laws restricting free speech, people could say anything they wanted.

One may wonder how this distinction this translates to the failure of governments to act in accordance with constitutions that provide a vast number of rights, both positive and negative. Many of the rights are positive in form, and are therefore very difficult to enforce and define. Say that a person must be given something, e.g., “health care,” or “a clean environment.” Such rights limit the function of the government to act in the best interests of all. For example, the right to shelter would be overly expensive and possibly impractical. As such the courts will “rewrite” the right to simply mean as the “right to seek shelter.” This completely guts and destroys the principle that was meant to be granted by the right to shelter. Such rewriting inevitably leads to a complete disregard for the entire set of laws. As such, not only are positive rights threatened but negative rights are as well.

One may question why then a negating of negative rights does not occur in the same way and lead to the destruction of constitutions that way. The reason negative rights do not establish the same thing is because they simply prevent the government from acting and they can be defined clearly and fulfilled without significant cost. For example, the government may not inhibit one’s ability to obtain shelter. This does not cause the government expense nor does it imply that positive action of the government must be taken at all. As such, the rule is not so overly broad that it either costs or limits the ability to act in a certain way when crisis occurs.

For example governments open up some buildings at times for use during really cold weather to those without shelter. Negative rights do not impede or tie the hands of the government in the same way that positive rights do.

Due to the different ways that rights interact, positive rights granted in constitutions can lead to the destruction of the constitutions, while negative rights lead to more stable governments.

View Professor Stern's talk here:

Child Advocacy Practicum Hosts "Advocating for our Adolescents" Forum

On Thursday, November 19, Regent University School of Law's Child Advocacy Practicum hosted "Advocating for our Adolescents: A Look at the Past, Present & Future of Juvenile Justice Reform in Virginia," a panel discussion exploring what serves the best interests of the child in the realm of crime and punishment.

Protecting children is one of the four areas of focus of the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.  In addition to sponsoring more than 20 courses, including the Child Advocacy Practicum, the Center does pro-bono legal work for organizations such as KyampisiChild Care Ministries and hosts an annual GuardianAd Litem CLE.

The panel included Judge Patricia West, distinguished professor and associate dean of students in LAW, and Linda Filippi, executive director of Tidewater Youth Services Commission, among several other experts in the field.  Regent Law Professor Kathleen McKee moderated.

The event also included a Juvenile Justice Art Exhibit & Panel of artwork by youth in the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center through an exhibit entitled, “Performing Statistics” featured in Robertson Hall.

Learn more about RegentUniversity's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law>

Slaying Giants: If It Were Easy, Everyone Would Do It

The following post was written by 2L Student Staff member Natasha Delille.

Every day we face challenges that seem nearly impossible to overcome. On October 12^th, Admiral Vern Clark, former Chief of Naval Operations, addressed the Center for Global Justice staff and spoke to us about managing our expectations. He advised us to never run away defeated simply because something seems impossible. To stay focused, Admiral Clark urged every organization to continually ask the following questions: (1) Who are we as an organization? (2) What do we believe in? (3) What are we doing? (4) Where are we going?

We have been called to invest in people; we have been called to pour our lives into others. Many of the projects that we work on at the Center for Global Justice are challenging in ways that might cause some to lose hope. Admiral Clark urged us not to lose hope but to be thankful for the challenges that will come our way. With each challenge we will learn an important lesson for our journey. God is preparing us the same way He prepared David for his battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

There are injustices waiting to be rectified. And although this work may become stressful, “stress is simply being used to light a fire in us.” As Admiral Clark spoke, I was reminded that God equips those whom He has called, and that with God, nothing is impossible. I was also reminded that God is using the Center staff in preparation for major battles. At the moment, we are not lawyers or Congressmen, but the work we are doing at the Center is work that will change the world. Saul thought that David was too young to fight Goliath, but little did he know, God had prepared David to slay the giant. The solutions that we are seeking may seem impossible to many, but as long as we continue to be disciplined and obedient, God will help us slay the giants of injustice.

Admiral Clark ended our discussion by reciting the following stanza of Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

“Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait.” 

Photo by 2L Student Staff member Chelsea Mack

The Center for Global Justice Hosts Pastor Peter Sewakiryanga of Kyampisi Childcare Ministries

One of the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law's four areas of focus is the protection of children. Beyond efforts to combat human trafficking in children, protect the unborn, and promote adoption, we also work on combating child sacrifice in Uganda.

Center Admin Director Ernie Walton & Pastor Sewakiryanga

In the summer of 2013, the Center sent rising 3L Heather Pate as the first legal intern to work with Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM), a Christian NGO dedicated to protecting Ugandan children. Since then, our student staff has continued to support KCM through student staff projects.

On October 8, 2015, Pastor Peter Sewakiryanga, Founder and Executive Director of Kyampisi Childcare Ministries, came to visit the Center and speak at Regent Law chapel.  Center intern, student staff member, and graduate assistant Pamela Dodge writes how she was personally impacted by Pastor Sewakiryanga's visit.

I am constantly amazed at the faithfulness of God in raising up individuals all around the world to fight for justice.  Pastor Peter Sewakiryanga is one such individual. 

Yesterday, law students had the privilege of hearing from Pastor Peter as he challenged and encouraged us in law chapel.  Peter shared stories about his ministry with children and families, especially with the children who are victims of child sacrifice in Uganda. His stories were heart-wrenching and eye-opening, as they shed light on a problem that is not often discussed. 

He challenged us to remember that all individuals are made in the image of God. When we take the time to pause our busy activities and really look into a person's face, then we can see what's happening in that person's heart.

Only then can we love well-by seeing and meeting the needs of the heart.
He encouraged students with Scripture that reminds us of the heart of God in bringing about justice.  As Amos 5:24 says, "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

I was challenged by Pastor Peter's life and unwavering courage, and my heart was encouraged by his testimony to the faithfulness the Lord. 

The Student Staff prayed over Pastor Peter following Law Chapel

Click here to learn more about Kyampisi Childcare Ministries >

Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and Rule of Law Hosts Jesse Wiese

Jesse and Center Admin Director Ernie Walton

How often do you get to hear from a now-reformed, formerly convicted bank robber turned lawyer, challenging you to think critically about the American criminal justice system?

On September 15, we had just that privilege when Regent Law alumnus, Jesse Wiese, spoke to law students and faculty over lunch.

Jesse challenged us, as believers in Christ, to consider what the ultimate goal of the criminal justice system should be. Should the goals be oriented toward deterring future crime, reforming offenders, or paying what is justly deserved for the crime that is committed?

Jesse argues that the system should be oriented around the ultimate goal of retributive justice (punishment), with restoration (or rehabilitation) as a value of the criminal justice system. In a world where decisions are made for political and financial reasons, our system often loses sight of the most important question, “What is just?” What is it that justice requires of the one who has committed a crime? A true retributive model is the only one that considers this question. Ultimately, the thing that most respects the human dignity of the one who has committed a crime is to allow him or her to pay the punishment that is justly deserved for those actions.

But Jesse challenged us further. While the goal of the criminal justice system should be retribution, the punishment must be proportionate. And Jesse persuasively argued that punishments for most crimes in the United States are far from proportionate. Indeed, not only does the U.S. criminalize conduct that should not be criminalized, it “punishes” felons after they serve their sentence through the never-ending loss of rights that felons face once they are released from prison. For example, Jesse shared a story of how a prisoner learned to cut hair while serving his sentence. When he was released and applied for a license to open a barber shop, he was denied, because he was a felon.

Hearing from Jesse was especially powerful, considering his own story. He was convicted of robbing a bank and subsequently served seven and a half years in prison. Through Prison Fellowship, Jesse began walking with the Lord. His first-hand experiences with the criminal justice system led him to pursue law school and to the position he is in today, as a policy analyst with Justice Fellowship.

Jesse’s insight is invaluable, and his life is a powerful reminder that the Lord transforms us in order that we may serve others and bring glory to Him.

"Our criminal justice system is filled, both deep and wide, with the complexities of justice and equity. There is no better arena that showcases the highs-and-lows of human nature than in these trenches of depravity, dignity, and hope.  We must never forget that our criminal justice system is, first, ours—a foundation grounded in Christian thought and rhetoric—and, second, though it is a system, it is about people—millions of people who bear the image of our Creator.  As Christians, we must convey the biblical concepts of punishment, proportionality, and finality.  As a society, we must begin to apply serious scrutiny to the processes the restrict 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' There is work to be done and people to be freed."   -Jesse Wiese

Click here to read Jesse's testimony before the Overcriminalization Task Force.

by Center student staff member and Graduate Assistant Pamela Dodge

Handong International Law School Dean Visits Regent Law School

By Center Administrative Director Ernie Walton

Ernie Walton (L) and Dean Eric Enlow (R)

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting Dean Eric Enlow of Handong International Law School (HILS). HILS is based in Pohang, Korea and provides an American-style JD program for students from all over the world. Regent Law and HILS have a great partnership, working together in various capacities.

One such collaborative endeavor is through the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.  Every year, the Center provides grants to a number of HILS students who secure internships with human rights organizations. Past interns have served in Cambodia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, and work on issues like protecting persecuted believers, combating sex trafficking, reforming corrupt judicial systems, and securing asylum for refugees. Dean Enlow and I discussed additional ways in which the Center and HILS might be able to partner together.

We are excited for these opportunities and look forward to what God will do in the future.

2015 Symposium Videos Now Available

On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, Regent University's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law along with the Regent Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy, hosted the fourth annual Global Justice Symposium: Human Rights and the Sexualization of Culture.

The videos from this exciting event are now available on our YouTube channel.


Panel 1: Foundation of Human Rights





Panel 2: Sex as a Business




Luncheon Featuring Benjamin Nolot





Panel 3: Children as Property





Symposium Banquet Featuring Benjamin Nolot

Center for Global Justice Hosts the Fourth-Annual Global Justice Symposium

Benjamin Nolot

Just a few weeks ago, box offices around the globe hit shattering records with the release of a blockbuster film, Fifty Shades of Grey, celebrating sex as a form of submission and entertainment.

But on Saturday, Feb. 21, Regent University's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law along with the Regent Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy, hosted the fourth annual Global Justice Symposium: Human Rights and the Sexualization of Culture. 

The symposium featured panel discussions of leading experts who delved into the hyper-sexualized topics of the foundation of human rights; areas where there are certainly more than fifty shades of grey. 

"It was incredibly relevant and timely content for the world today," said Ernie Walton '11 (School of Law), administrative director for the Center for Global Justice. "The world is talking about these issues, but not in the right way." 

Walton explained that though these topics — such as pedophilia, and sexual slavery — are oftentimes taboo in the Christian sect, that shouldn't prohibit those with a biblical worldview from engaging in these important discussions. 

"As soon as you change your sexual ethic and you have an 'anything goes' attitude toward sexuality, you don't know where the line is," said Walton. "We have to look at these issues from God's perspective." 

Three panels explored topics in human rights: the sex as a business panel was led by Scott Alleman, assistant Commonwealth's attorney at the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office; and Laila Mickelwait, manager of Policy and Public Affairs for Exodus Cry. 

The foundation of human rights panel was led by Matthew Franck, director of the Willam E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution; and Jeffery Ventrella, senior counsel/senior vice-president of strategic training for the Alliance Defending Freedom. 

Finally, the children as property discussion was led by Naomi Cahn, professor at George Washington University Law School; Jim Dwyer, professor at William & Mary School of Law; Arina Grossu, director for the Center on Human Dignity; and Lynne Marie Kohm, professor at Regent's School of Law. 

The highlight for Walton, however, was learning that all is not lost in the battle of sex-trafficking from speaker Benjamin Nolot, founder and president of Exodus Cry. Nolot's anti-trafficking organization is dedicated to abolishing modern-day slavery and assisting survivors through their acclimation to life after being rescued. 

"My primary goal is about the students," said Walton. "As they sit there and listen to the same topics but from different speakers, they're able to think about these issues critically. We want them to realize our worldview and how we look at these issues matter. It's all interconnected." 

The discussions brought forth from the panel illustrated that though there is still major work to be done in these fields, there's hope for the future. 

"There is a lot of legal work to be done, but first and foremost the battles we face regarding sex in today's culture are spiritual battles," said Walton. "Certainly something that everyone can do is to start praying to create long-term change." 

Learn more about Regent University's School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

By Brett Wilson

Center for Global Justice and Journal of Global Justice Hosts the 4th Annual Symposium

Just a few weeks ago, box offices around the globe hit shattering records with the release of a blockbuster film celebrating sex as a form of submission and entertainment.

But on Saturday, Feb. 21, Regent University's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law along with the Regent Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy, hosted the fourth annual Global Justice Symposium: Human Rights and the Sexualization of Culture. 

The symposium featured panel discussions of leading experts who delved into the hyper-sexualized topics of the foundation of human rights; areas where there are certainly more than fifty shades of grey.

"It was incredibly relevant and timely content for the world today," said Ernie Walton '11 (School of Law), administrative director for the Center for Global Justice. "The world is talking about these issues, but not in the right way."

Walton explained that though these topics — such as pedophilia, and sexual slavery — are oftentimes taboo in the Christian sect, that shouldn't prohibit those with a biblical worldview from engaging in these important discussions.

"As soon as you change your sexual ethic and you have an 'anything goes' attitude toward sexuality, you don't know where the line is," said Walton. "We have to look at these issues from God's perspective."

Three panels explored topics in human rights: the sex as a business panel was led by Scott Alleman, assistant Commonwealth's attorney at the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office; and Laila Mickelwait, manager of Policy and Public Affairs for Exodus Cry.

The foundation of human rights panel was led by Matthew Franck, director of the Willam E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution; and Jeffery Ventrella, senior counsel/senior vice-president of strategic training for the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Finally, the children as property discussion was led by Naomi Cahn, professor at George Washington University Law School; Jim Dwyer, professor at William & Mary School of Law; Arina Grossu, director for the Center on Human Dignity; and Lynne Marie Kohm, professor at Regent's School of Law.

The highlight for Walton, however, was learning that all is not lost in the battle of sex-trafficking from speaker Benjamin Nolot, founder and president of Exodus Cry (pictured). Nolot's anti-trafficking organization is dedicated to abolishing modern-day slavery and assisting survivors through their acclimation to life after being rescued.

"My primary goal is about the students," said Walton. "As they sit there and listen to the same topics but from different speakers, they're able to think about these issues critically. We want them to realize our worldview and how we look at these issues matter. It's all interconnected."

The discussions brought forth from the panel illustrated that though there is still major work to be done in these fields, there's hope for the future.

"There is a lot of legal work to be done, but first and foremost the battles we face regarding sex in today's culture are spiritual battles," said Walton. "Certainly something that everyone can do is to start praying to create long-term change."

Learn more about Regent University School of Law's and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law and the Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy.