ASU's Paul Bender as a bobblehead. My memory of law school professors is more head-shaking than nodding, but whatever.

ASU’s Paul Bender as a bobblehead. My memory of law school professors is more head-shaking than nodding, but whatever.

Yesterday, I spent much of the day hearing about last Term’s Supreme Court cases. The panel of lawyers and scholars was a good one, and, when it comes to the Court (and Shakespeare), it’s clear that the past is certainly prologue.

The speakers covered more than a dozen significant cases, and it’s certainly true that many issues will recur in the next or upcoming Terms.

Tomorrow, I may share a few thoughts about what works in this kind of program. For now, here are a few photos from the event. First, though, the event included a few unique elements, rarely if ever spotted at a CLE:

  • There was a magician. Yes, an actual illusionist. His name is Shawn Greer, he is quite good, and you can read more about him here. I haven’t been able to identify whose idea it was to include a magician’s skills during breaks and lunch, but I suspect it had something to do with the imaginative panel chair, Judge George Anagnost. Kudos.
Paul Bender and Hon. George Anagnost, Oct. 23, 2013.
Paul Bender and Hon. George Anagnost, Oct. 23, 2013.
  • There were bobbleheads. I suspect (but haven’t confirmed) that each panelist received a bobblehead in his own likeness. What I do know is that ASU Law Professor Paul Bender got one, and it was charming. Apparently each speaker was asked for a head-shot in advance, but they didn’t know why they were providing one. Now they know. (Professor Bender, nearly always right, so far as I can tell, muttered his cavils: The hairstyle was wrong, he doesn’t typically wear a tie, and the bobblehead was smiling. Very true, Professor. The smile was a deal-killer.)

Here are some photos:

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