The New England Law Review fall paper symposium was held on October 8th at New England Law | Boston. It showcased Professor Rachel VanLandingham’s article “Discipline, Justice, and Command in the U.S. Military: Maximizing Strengths and Minimizing Weaknesses in a Special Society.” She discussed why military commanders should be removed from the prosecutorial chain, as this position constitutes an unethical practice of law, and further discussed the collateral consequences of such a removal. 

She also considered how problems associated with prosecutorial discretion can be potentially magnified in the military, the unique aspects of commander-owned prosecutorial discretion, and the insufficient checks and balances currently in place.

The symposium featured Professor VanLandingham, a Visiting Scholar from Southwestern Law School, as the keynote speaker, as well as feedback and commentary from a panel of prominent legal voices, including:

• Associate Dean Victor Hansen, New England Law | Boston

• Provost Elizabeth Hillman, UC Hastings College of Law

• Adjunct Professor James Gallagher, Suffolk University Law School