1. The Magazine of Roger Williams University School of Law 7
Art and Poetry –
in a Law School?
For the past few years, the walls of the second-floor Atrium have been graced by several art
exhibits a year, thanks to an arrangement with the Bristol Art Museum. The most recent
installment went further, pairing the work of photographer Seth Jacobson with poems by
RWU Law’s perennially popular writing specialist, Kim Baker.
Based on the concept of “ekphrasis” – a Greek term for literary writing about visual art –
the exhibit encompasses a diverse array of subjects and poems that stimulate unexpected
discussions. “Students are usually so immersed in the law,” Baker explains. “It’s wonderful
to see them notice and react to this installation. It brings out a whole other side – a passion
for literature, art, film – that we rarely get to see.”
‘Lives Worth Living’
For Farm Animals
As a 3L juggling classes, Immigration Clinic, an internship and duties on the Roger
Williams Law Review board of editors, you’d think Lindsay Vick ’12 had enough on
her plate – but she also managed to research and write a law review article on an area
of deep personal interest.
“Confined to a Process,” appearing in Spring 2012 edition of Lewis & Clark Law
School’s Animal Law Review, argues that state standards for livestock care are insufficient
and deny farm animals “lives worth living.” Vick first became interested in the subject
while interning with the farm animal department of the Animal Welfare Institute in
Washington, D.C., and spent a year completing her research.
Vick says her interest in animal law actually dates back to her pre-law school days,
when she discovered a large feral cat population occupying the land around her home,
and began volunteering at her local humane society and researching ways to help the
neighborhood felines. “At the end of the day, I found that I loved working with animals
and dealing with animal-related issues,” she says.
While animal lawyers remain a scarce breed, Vick hopes to use her legal training to
make a real difference. “One day I hope to own a sanctuary where I can rescue farm
animals,” she says. “That’s my goal.”
“Braving the Light”
Be brave.
Take a walk along the rock-strewn beach.
In the rain.
The pebbles will never be as treacherous
or as beautiful
as when they are wet. …
disappear into the originality of it all
carrying with you time itself
and the satisfaction and contentment
only courage brings.
by Kim M. Baker