Prof. Acker assists Bellandi and Keller with final preparations

Once again, SCJ students staged a Moot Court Competition during Homecoming Weekend festivities. Rose Bellandi and Daniella Keller, representing the petitioner, faced off against Garrett Barmore and Megan Cowles, who argued on behalf of the respondent. Each team had 20 minutes to present their side of the case.

The case before the two teams involved a couple who homeschool their three children. The father also runs a gun manufacturing and repair business out of the home. At the heart of the case is the Gun Free School Zone Act of

Cowles makes her argument as her teammates look on

1997, which bars possession of a firearm on school grounds or while within 1000 feet of a school.

Oral arguments addressed three central themes. Does the Gun Free School Zone Act of 1997 apply to homeschools? Does it violate the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution? Does Congress have authority under the Commerce Clause to enact the law?

The panel of judges; Matthew Laroche '07, William McCann '86, '87, Anthony Giardina '81, and Elizabeth

Hogan '76, peppered the students with questions throughout their presentations. At the conclusion of the event, the judges shared their observations and offered recommendations for the team's next competition.

SCJ students will argue this same case at the American Collegiate Moot Court Association (ACMA) Eastern Regional Tournament at Fitchburg State College. Teams will compete at the regional event for an opportunity to

The judges hear oral arguments

l to r: G. Barmore, W. McCann, M. Cowles,

R. Bellandi, M. Laroche, E. Hogan, A. Giardina and D. Keller

participate in the ACMA National Tournament at Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa in January.

SCJ teams, coached by Distinguished Teaching Professor James Acker, have a history of success at both the regional and national competitions. Over the last two years, SCJ students have brought home national All-American honors four times. Matthew Laroche, MA ‘07 and Patrick

Chamberlain, BA ‘06 earned the distinction in 2006 and 2007, respectively, while Alison Bain-Lucey, BA ‘07 achieved the designation in both years, making her a rare two-time honoree.

Sincere thanks to the UAlbany Alumni Association for their participation in the Homecoming competition, and the support they have given the Moot Court team over the years in helping defray expenses so students can travel to the regional and national competitions.

l to r: G. Barmore, M. Cowles, R. Bellandi, D. Keller and J. Acker