by Gregory Bowman

Greetings from Mexico!

The 2012 WVU Legal Studies in Mexico program is now in Day 3, and we are having a grand time! Guanajuato is simply gorgeous, the weather is unseasonably cool, and we have a great group of students. We couldn’t ask for a better start!

As a professor, I am keenly aware that the success of any study abroad program hinges heavily on the students themselves. We professors work hard to create an interesting and informative program, and we try to set the right tone for the trip (balancing work and play, behaving responsibly, etc.). But at the end of the day, the students are the linchpin. So far, we’ve had great class discussions, and there have been great impromptu out of class discussions. Great dinners, great tours around the city. And unexpected delights, like Imad Matini meeting and arm wrestling a Mexican professional wrestler one night at dinner (Imad claims the match was a “tie”). That last experience is the sort of impromptu and unexpected event that makes studying abroad so invaluable: the opportunity to connect with the local culture and local residents.

I’ll post again soon about our ongoing adventures! No word yet on whether Imad will get a rematch.

by Jena Martin Amerson

It’s a new year and a new group for the Mexico Study Abroad trip. This year’s class has come energized and ready to learn. This is my second year coming to Guanajuato with my students. The last time I came, in 2010, was a series of firsts for me: first time in Guanajuato, first time running a study abroad program, first time on a study abroad program? by the end of the trip I could barely catch my breath, such was the overwhelming nature of all the firsts.
This year is a little different. I know the city a little better. I have more experience running a study abroad trip, and I have a much calmer demeanor about traveling abroad with my students. It’s a new feeling, a nice feeling, and it’s given me a chance to be reflective.

One of the things that I love about teaching is that, when I do it right, I let the students experience paideia. It was a word I only learned myself a few years ago. I was at WVU, listening to Cornel West present at the Festival Ideas. He discussed how education is supposed to be about paideia. As Prof. West used it, the word connoted more than mere knowledge. Rather, it encompasses such a learning that it led you to question some of the most fundamental principles that have been the bedrock of your ideas, your beliefs, and your values. You may come out of the process still believing what you did, but the process itself is transformative.

Since I first heard him speak three years ago, this concept has stuck with me. As a law professor, part of what I do is to teach students about the “black letter law.” But, if I were to stop there, my students would be robbed of some of the best parts of legal education. At its best, a legal education gives you the tools to change the world – whether that’s through your community in Mingo county West Virginia, or your world as a citizen of a global community – the law can help you make something better. The only way that works, however, is if you can see yourself using those tools, and not seeing any limits.

We want our students to see themselves in Mexico, although maybe not quite this literally.

I firmly believe though, that in order to best use these tools, you need to come out of yourself – out of your comfort level and out of your familiar surroundings. It’s only once you do that, that I believe you can truly see yourself for the first time.

That’s the value of a study abroad program. For some of our students, this is the first time they ever set foot on a plane, let alone traveled outside the country. Some of our students had very specific perspectives about Mexico and its citizens; it’s a very American perspective that doesn’t encompass the breadth and depth of this country and its populous. By coming here, my students can finally see Mexico as something more than a drug-infested, violence-plagued country. They can see Mexicans as more than non-English speaking undocumented workers. Instead, they can see them as people with much more in common than they had previously known. They can see a country striving for many of the same ideals as we are.

And in doing so, they see themselves.

So, this is why I help to administer this program. This is why I teach. I relish the opportunity to show my students a different door to something that is, in the end, more familiar than they believed. I can see it happening already on this trip, and it’s only day two. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings?

Hasta Lluego!
Jena Martin Amerson

Submitted by Professor James Friedberg

Occasionally, I will want a couple of my unacquainted friends to meet each other because I think they are both so special. When I’m right about their mutual appreciation, I feel like a scout that has led a traveler to a treasure. Leading students to Guanajuato is a bit like that. When I hear of my students’ adventures, insights and pleasures in this gem of a city, I feel pride and satisfaction.

Mexicans trace their culture—their civilization – back thousands of years. Well before Columbus, they built cities and canals. They constructed pyramids and mastered astronomy. A few of us may know a bit of this, but not with the concrete knowledge we gain from being on Mexican soil. The monuments, the churches, the colorful meandering alleys of Guanajuato delight us with discovery and give us a respect for the people that created them. But more that creators of complex culture and beautiful architecture the people of Guanajuato are kind and gracious hosts. For all the physical beauty of the place, it is the people I remember most, and miss the most between visits. From students’ comments, I guess many of them share these feelings.

That Mexico has a complex legal and political system that struggles toward democracy was a central theme of our academic studies. Many of us recognize in such a comparative law investigation that our two systems share many similarities, and in their differences provide contrasts from which we might learn from each other. Mexico must solve some of the challenges it faces by its own will and efforts. Other challenges cross North American borders and can only be met on a continental basis. In any event, programs like ours hopefully play a small part in promoting the sort of communication and understanding that underlies continental cooperation in the interests of all the Americas.

Thanks to all the WVU law students, my colleagues Professors Amerson and Cavalieri, and our wonderful amigos in Guanajuato, all of whom made this trip valuable and fun.

Submitted by Kurt Doiron

This is the last day of our trip and as the person with the final word I’ll try to be somewhat comprehensive. The trip has been an interesting experience. I did the Brazil trip last time and so I had somewhat of an idea as to what to expect from the trip. This trip was different though. Rather than traveling to a new city each week, this trip took place in the same location with the exception of a couple day trips to Leon and San Miguel.

Being stationary changed the trip experience completely. In Brazil we didn’t have a chance to really get to know the people and the places we were in. It was more of a guided tour in that respect, but it was exciting because you get that initial impact over and over again. This trip was great because there was a chance to be a regular somewhere. I would see people out at night that I met before and they knew me. At the same time, I was able to venture to a new area of town every day and by the end of the trip I felt I’d been everywhere in the Guanajuato. I felt like a local. There’s a lot to be said for the feeling you get when the waiter gives you great service because he knows you. You saw him out last night at the bar.

The academic portion of the trip was an enlightening experience. Looking back I felt like I got the most out of the trips to the courts. At first I was a little confused at how everything worked. Our hosts were judges and court employees that gave a very nice presentation of the court system in Mexico. They laid out how the two parties present briefs that were reviewed by clerks and approved by judges. In some ways it was no different from the U.S. really. Many judges have clerks that research the cases and write opinions that the judge ultimately approves. Mexican law is different in two very significant ways though: They don’t have oral arguments and they don’t have juries. Everything is in writing and decided solely on the judge’s discretion. Although the Mexican legal system was presented as an efficient system that delivered justice quickly, I developed a different view. I feel like the system of law is not administered in a way to bring about justice, rather, it is a system for the swift administration of punishment. I feel like the Mexican people live in fear of their government like the subjects of a dictatorship.

It is from this point that I began the last day of the trip. I had the final word then too. We all met in the courtyard of the professor’s hotel to talk and reflect on the trip and I was the last person to speak. I went into the various problems I saw in the Mexican legal system and how I thought the country needed a totally new legal system. “Is that how you are going to end this trip, on a bad note?” I was asked by one of the professors. As the person with the final word I suppose I was expected to keep up all the flowery comments the previous speakers had made regarding the trip and the town of Guanajuato. I mean, I loved the trip, but as a law student I felt that the corruption and lack of an objective standard for both criminal and civil adjudication was a most interesting subject of discussion for the trip to Mexico. To my surprise, nobody wanted to hear it though.

Instead, we had an excellent discussion on coffee beans by Andrew and engaged in a little discussion about our daily grinds. We talked about the difference between Robusto and Arabica beans. We talked about where the money goes and how local farmers often get the shaft when it comes to the distribution of money generated from coffee sales. Andrew even went over a nice synopsis of the history of the coffee bean. Once the talk was over through, the trip was over too. Everyone split up and got ready to go. So I went back to my hotel, I packed the rest of my things and hopped in a cab with Ngosong to the bus station for a trip to Mexico City. We are on our own now, and there is no telling were the next couple days will lead us.

Submitted by Phil Enoch

We were allowed some free time to explore Mexico on our own. I had the pleasure of visiting several popular locations that the were recommended by the residents.

We visited one of the most important religious monuments in Mexico, Cristo Rey (Christ the King). It was an impressive 20-meter bronze statue of Jesus set atop the summit of the mountain Cerro de Cubilete. It was constructed in 1950 to replace the smaller, original statue that was destroyed during the Mexican Revolution.

The statue is supposed to mark the exact geographical center of Mexico, and for religious Mexicans there is something to be said in having Jesus in the very heart of their country. As such, the statue is a popular day-trip destination for Mexicans visiting Guanajuato.

We also had the pleasure of visiting Leon, the biggest city in the state of Guanajuato and has nearly 4 million regional residents. Leon is the geographic and cultural center of Mexico. It earned its modern name, The Shoe Capital, because it dominates the shoe and leather goods market.

The city has embraced its modernity as an epicenter of arts, culture and economic development. Because of its close proximity to Mexico City, Leon is oft overlooked by travelers, but visitors to the city will find a wealth of leisure activities, shopping, dining and nightlife activities to fill their time. Leon residents also enjoy sporting activities, and the city is home to a renowned soccer team as well as an annual auto race, ballooning event and historic bullfighting champions.

While in Leon, I had the opportunity to visit an authentic Mexican restaurant called Los Villanos. This restaurant is regionally known for its food and atmosphere that is typically enjoyed by entire families. The restaurant boast with live music from serenading mariachi musicians; a court yard for children to play while their parents eat and celebrate; and a small zoo… (yes a small zoo).

Visiting both of these places were a special treat in the life experience of regular Mexican.

Submitted by Jerry Fowler

Today, we visited San Miguel on our free day. Much like Guanajuato, San Miguel is a small town full of bright colors, culture, and beautiful architecture. The day was spent comparing life and culture between Guanajuato and San Miguel. Guanajuato and San Miguel share shady garden areas where you can find local musicians and children playing. I strongly encourage everyone to visit both in their lifetime. Half of the group had cups of coffee and pastries at a small café and the other half settled down in another corner café to enjoy some shade and ice cream. San Miguel resembles an American city more than Guanajuato does, but when walking by the open markets, beautiful churches and walking on the cobble stone streets, you get the same sense of culture and life that we all have come to love about Guanajuato.

After we made our way back to Guanajuato, local students, Andrea and Laura, took some of us to a pre-graduation party for the law students at the University. It was held in a beautiful square in the middle of town and was an incredible experience. A band played all of the Mexican classics throughout the night, while the crowd sang loudly and danced in celebration. This trip has been full of great food, friendly people and memories to last a lifetime. I just wish we had more time here!

Submitted by David Ducatman

After waking up early in the morning to the sound of roosters, we left our hotel room and walked down the gigantic hill to board a bus. The bus took us to the state court in Guanajuato. We arrived in the sweltering sun, and walked up a long flight of steps.

Inside, we entered the president (or head) of the Guanajuato Supreme Court. Her office was huge. Old paintings and a grandfather clock adorned the walls. She warmly welcomed us into her jurisdiction. She then explained how she came to be the president of the Supreme Court in Guanajuato.

Then, the secretary of the Guanajuato state court system explained the differences between federal and state jurisdiction, and she also explained what she does. Her job is very interesting, and as far as I know has no American equivalent. She is basically the director of all the internal court procedures. She makes sure the courts run smoothly. Her job is a bureaucratic one, although she used to be a judge.

Afterwards, we went to a mall to eat Mexican fast-food. It was very good, although it was not very fast. After a quick cab ride back to our hotel, its now time for a siesta.

Submitted by Thomas Yanni

Today’s social science/legal lectures focused on Women’s Right in Mexico and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Prof. Patricia Begne, University of Guanajuato, presented an informative lecture and discussion on the feminist movement, reproductive rights, and political participation for women in Mexico. Prof. James Friedberg, WVU College of Law, presented an insightful lecture and discussion highlighting legal authorities and operations of the UNSC.

Women in Mexico have made great strides in equality, but mainly in the middle and upper classes. Women in the lower economic classes are still struggling with sexual equality with the exception of voting rights. Domestic violence against women is increasing, and women have received little support from the police to reverse the trend. Social movements develop in distinct ways reflecting local cultures and over time. Change is occurring as a result of education and interactions with other cultures and nations, but at a pace slower than desired. Bottom line is that women remain below the line in equality and in political representation.

The UN gains its legal status from the UN Charter, a treaty, that was ratified by host nations using their own procedures. Security Council sponsored military operations have historically been rare due to conflicting national interests of the Permanent 5 (P5) members. The most successful Security Council action in the last two decades occurred when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and the Security Council approved the use of force against Iraqi (the first significant military action endorsed/conducted by the UNSC since the Korean War). Discussed Pros and Cons of adding members to the P5.

Visiting Guanajuato, Mexico, has been absolutely wonderful. Our hosts are exceptional, and we have benefited from unmatched access to government officials and agencies. Central Mexico is a land of resources and beauty still recovering from the Spanish colonial period. Mexico will undoubtedly continue the march towards prosperity and equality as the political process is popular, functional, and mature; but the march has been delayed by economic power concentrated in a very small group of families, and weak enforcement of tax, civil, and criminal laws.

Submitted by Michael Mc Glothlin

Today we woke this morning and took taxis to the “Poder Judicial de la Federacion.” We had the opportunity to tour the campus of the Federal Courthouse for the 16th Circuit for Guanajuanto. I was impressed with our groups questions of these officials and impressed with their willingness to take time out of their busy and important days to help our group become acquainted with the Mexican Judicial Process.

After a nice long lunch we returned to the classroom at the University of Guanajuanto for a stimulating lecture by Professor Cavelleri focused on Land Reform in Latin America. I just had some shrimp lo mein from my favorite noodle shop “El Wok” ran by a gent named Carlos. I know some people think we are supposed to only eat Mexican food while we are visiting Guanajuanto, but I feel as though the Mexicans don’t eat their traditional food everyday either. (Its not like I eat Cracker Barrel everyday in Morgantown)

Buenos noches amigos, I encourage you all to come and see the city for yourselves.

Submitted by Benson Awosika

On Monday the 24th of May, we went to the Federal Judicial Court of Mexico in Guanajuato District. The court is divided into three sections: the trial court, the federal appeals court on civil matters, and the federal appeals court on criminal matters. We visited all three courts and received a very warm reception from the Magistra. We also learned the procedures of the federal courts, and the appointment process for the Magistra.

After the Federal Court visit, we had lunch at a restaurant in downtown Guanajuato, and saw a soccer game between the Mexican national team and England. We returned to the classroom for Professor Cavelleri’s lecture on land reform in Latin America. We had dinner, and enjoyed some tequila the rest of the night. I have really enjoyed this trip because Guanajuato is a beautiful city, the food is good, the people are very nice, and the culture is awesome.