Judge proposes new constitution

Unveiling a new Bill of Rights, complete with color pictures and electronic lights, Judge Alex Kozinski presented "The MTV Constitution" yesterday at the Law School. Kozinski, who serves the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, combined humor with a serious discussion of how certain legal interpretations are changing the spirit of the U.S. Constitution. "Those interpreting and applying the law have been more enamored with certain rights than others," Kozinski said to the 120 students and faculty members who gathered to see his presentation. The unique constitution, which rested on an easel by Kozinski's side, included the First Amendment printed in large, bold type. The right to bear arms, however, was barely legible. The modified constitution also displayed completely new rights, such as the "right to buy contraceptives" and the "right to die." Kozinski explained that many judges have not been consistent in their interpretations of the various amendments. "Economic rights have gotten the dirty end of the stick," he said, citing several instances where contractual rights had been trampled upon. Kozinski did not limit his grievances to any particular political viewpoint. Liberal judges, he said, "don't give a fig about property unless it's a welfare payment." And conservative judges, while understanding the importance of economic rights, do not like to change precedents, Kozinski added. The judge then gave advice to the future lawyers in his audience. "Businesses cannot count on federal courts to help them," he said. "Don't overlook state courts as a possible avenue." Kozinski also advised business lawyers to beat the judicial system at its own game. "Understand local bureaucracy," he said, adding that lawyers should look for loopholes in the law. "While the federal courts will always be here, those who help themselves will be helped the most," Kozinski explained. Many students attending the lecture said they enjoyed it. "Although he fell short in advocating conservative activism, there was a big implication," first-year Law student Darren Tucker said. "He was an excellent speaker. I wish he could have spoken longer." Other students enjoyed Kozinski's unique delivery. "He's the most entertaining conservative I've ever heard speak," said Peggy Balsawer, a third-year Law student. And second-year law student Hiral Shah proclaimed Kozinski "the Howard Stern of the bench." The lecture was part of a series given by the University's Institute of Law and Economics, which combines parts of the Wharton School of Business, the Law School and the School of Arts and Sciences' Economics Department. "The lecture was really successful," said Wharton freshman Kathryn Woodard, an administrative assistant for the Institute of Law and Economics. "The room was overfilled and the audience was laughing."

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