The Catholic Second Amendment

This article to be published in the Hamlin Law Review in 2006 presents an argument that the American principles of a right to bear arms, and a right to overthrow an unjust government are firmly rooted in Catholic principles. The author calls (in part) upon the canon law to make his case.

Summary:

At the beginning of the second millennium, there was no separation of church and state,and kings ruled the church. Tyrannicide was considered sinful. By the end of the thirteenth century, however, everything had changed. The “Little Renaissance” that began in the eleventh century led to a revolution in political and moral philosophy, so that using force to overthrow a tyrannical government became a positive moral duty. The intellectual revolution was an essential step in the evolution of Western political philosophy that eventually led to the American Revolution.

Summer Programs on Thomas More in England

For those of you interested in learning more about St. Thomas More, the University of Dallas offers a number of "Summer Programs" in England focusing on our patron Saint. Programs are about 1 - 2 weeks, and includes opportunities for both adult groups and high school groups.

New format for the STMS website

"Without risk, there is no reward."

"Tis better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission..."

In the spirit of these great aphorisms, an executive decision has been made, and the St. Thomas More Soceity now has a blog style web page.

I've not replicated all of the old content here, in part because I'd like to hear from our membership re: what things they actually find useful on the website.

Hopefully, the new format will be more interesting to our audience, and allow for more frequent and easy content updates.

I welcome your feedback regarding this site, and your thoughts and submissions regarding what ought to be included here.

I'd also like to thank Terrence Berres for his encouragement and support re: the website.

Leadership Roster for 2006

Chaplains:
Fr. James Connell
Fr. Paul Hartmann

Officers:
President: John P. Miller
President-Elect: James Carrig
Secretary: Jonathan Koening
Treasurer: Thomas Mountin
Past President: Michael Gratz

Board of Elected Governors (Term):
Nora Barry (2006)
Nicole Hanna (2006)
Thomas M. Hruz (2006)
M. Susan Maloney (2006)

Virginia Antoine (2007)
Bruce Arnold (2007)
James Barry III (2007)
Joseph Fenzel (2007)
Matt Mitten (2007)

A. William Finke (2008)
E. Michael McCann (2008)
Honorable Kevin E. Martens (2008)
Justin Longley (2008)
Frank Pasternak (2008)

2005 CLE Seminar

December 2, 2005 is the date for the Society's 2005 CLE Seminar, End of Life Legal, Ethical, and Moral issues in the Wake of the Schaivo and Oregon Assisted-Suicide Cases.

The seminar runs from 9:15 am - 12:25 pm following the regularly scheduled First Friday Mass for December (7:30 am) at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union.

3.0 WI CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics/ professional responsibility credits have been applied for. (update: 3.0 CLE credits including 2.0 EPR approved by the WI BBE as of 1/6/06).

Introduction / Moderator:
Professor Alison Barnes, Marquette University Law School

Topics / Presenters:
Moral and Ethical Dimensions of the Lawyers' Potential Role in End-of-Life Treatment Decisions
Charles E. Rice, Professor Emeritus of Law, University of Notre Dame Law School

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act and Gonzales v. Oregon: The Future of Federalism
Donald A Daugherty, Jr., Whyte Hirschboeck Dude S.C.
Robert B. Shelledy, Director of Catholic Social Action, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

End-of-Life Law and Legal-Ethics Issues in Wisconsin
Thomas L. Potter, Assistant District Attorney, Milwaukee County

(Panel Discussion moderated by Professor Barnes)