Chicago-Kent College of Law Viewbook - (Page 61) On Asking the Right Questions Dean Harold J. Krent and Jamie Newton Dean and Professor of Law Harold Krent is a prominent legal scholar whose latest book is Presidential Powers. Recently he collaborated with several students, including Jamie Newton, on a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court. Dean Krent: This case involved conduct on the high seas by non-nationals on What’s What foreign-flagged ships. The legal issue concerned the reach of American criminal jurisdiction. Normally we can only punish conduct that directly affects U.S. citizens abroad, or that takes place on our shores. Jamie: It was an exciting topic. The U.S. Coast Guard arrested Guatemalan drug smugglers caught with over a ton of cocaine in international waters. Dean Krent: Jamie did great work tracking down the history of the constitutional provision that was involved. Jamie: It was a hands-on opportunity to see what the framers were thinking at the time they drafted the Constitution. As someone who had just finished his first year of law school, I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity. It really broadened my base of experience. Plus it was very helpful in trying to find a job for this year—employers found it extremely interesting. Dean Krent: The issue is of current importance and can shed light on how we are perceived by other countries. Should we be acting as international police? How would we feel if the tables were turned—if other nations extended their criminal jurisdiction on the high seas in ways that could affect our citizens? I think we furnished a great product—one of the most comprehensive treatments of the issue to date. On Dean Krent: www.kentlaw.edu/faculty/hkrent 60 | 61 http://www.kentlaw.edu/faculty/hkrent
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