Published: Nov. 14, 2016

Frederic BloomJoin the University of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law School on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:45 toÌý6:45 p.m. for the 42nd annual Austin W. Scott, Jr. Lecture. This year's lecture features Professor Frederic Bloom, whose talk is called "Silence and Noise."Ìý

AlthoughÌýrobust literature exists on discrete pieces ofÌýlegal silence, such as silence in Congress, courts,Ìýrecords, documents and arrestees, there isÌýalmost nothing that attempts to understand silence in law as a whole: no detailed study of the ways courts read congressional silence, no coherent account of when courts themselves are silent,Ìýno wide-lens look at silence as a factor in and around the law.

Bloom'sÌýthought-provoking lecture takes a holistic lookÌýat the role of silence in the law, discussing the ways in which courts read congressional silence and what that means for those impacted by the law. It tells three seemingly disparate legal stories and brings apparent misfits together—the forgotten plaintiff simply trying to access federal court, for example, and the famous defendant hoping to keep quiet.

"Silence and noise" will take placeÌýin the Wittemyer Courtroom at the Wolf Law building, with a reception to follow for registered guests. Please register by Monday, Nov. 28.