The inaugural D’Alemberte & Palmer Lecture in International Human Rights was held on March 29, 2023. It was a pleasure to see so many alumni and friends at the law school. Lecturer Alberto J. Mora, the former general counsel of the U.S. Navy, presented “Reflections on the Rule of Law in Human Rights” to a standing-room-only audience. Mora discussed the legal and policy ramifications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which he said “represents a watershed moment for international law and for the international rule of law.” He also talked about “the need for the United States to reexamine its policy of isolation from international law, and specifically from the international criminal court.” Mora’s lecture was thought-provoking and timely, and it connected so many concepts brilliantly in defense of bolstering human rights through ensuring that the rule of law is strong at the national and international levels. If you were unable to join us for the event virtually or in person, you can watch a recording of the lecture online. Many thanks to alumna Patsy Palmer (’07) for her generous gift to establish this lecture series and for her assistance in making it a huge success!

During the event, we also recognized our first recipients of the Ellis Medal, 3L Sophia Muina and 3L Jacob Shapiro, and our first D’Alemberte-Ellis Fellow, 2L Robin Rodriguez. All three students have demonstrated a deep commitment to work in the area of international human rights.