I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for the oral arguments- though it sounds as though you’ve acquitted yourself well. I feel like it was ages ago that we campaigned for that election. I’m rooting for you guys- I hope the judges decide in your favor.

I’m glad things are progressing on the case, though- the issues involved are as important as ever. I hope you’re able to succeed, and move forward to your real work (y’know, fighting for greater freedom and liberty for students and the use of technology to create stronger relationships amongst people, particularly those interested in learning).

As ever,
Nicole

I’ve completely enjoyed reading about your case. This is partially because you’re a great writer, but mostly because you’ve got such fascinating things to write about. Keep it up, you’re an awesome inspiration.

Julia P

I’m constantly amazed by you.

See you soon,
Micah

WOW.

That was what was in my head while I read this, with tears in my eyes (which are now escaping onto my face). There are no words to adequately express my emotions, so wow seems to be most appropriate.

I will say:

You are amazing.
I’m so so so proud of both you and RJ.
I wish, and will wish for the rest of my life, that I could have been there.
I wish I could hug you both right now.
You are both brave and tough and good.
You are forging new roads.
Those administrators did not know who they were messing with, and they don’t have a fraction of the character that the two of you do.
I’d like to see you looking mad professional.
I love you.
Wow can you write!!!

…and that still doesn’t come close to expressing it.

xoxo

(editors note: the commentator is the blogger’s Mother)

Way to stand up and fight for what is right!

Congratulations. Thank you for telling your story in such a compelling way. From your account, it is clear that the court is going to take great care in ruling upon your appeal, and, like you, I await its issuance eagerly.

Your work was inspiring. Every day I work to instill in my daughter the conscience, self-confidence, drive to succeed and willingness to engage in diligent preparation that you demonstrated in taking on this challenge.

Ever since I first appeared in court over 32 years ago, I have been aware of the frequent arrogance and contempt for a spirit of justice and for the parties that permeates our legal system. I am thrilled that your experience was altogether different, and delighted that you will be able to share with young adults and students your inspiring account of appearing in a court that treated you and your cause with total respect.

Your choice to represent yourselves in this argument was a high stakes gamble. You seem to have lucked out with the panel assigned to your case, and you did everything you could to succeed.

I am sure that you have heard tediously, countless times the adage that “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Sadly this adage has led countless persons to forfeit their freedom, property or reputation by relying upon attorneys who were not up to the job. A review of adages about fools shows, however, that many wise observers have noted that the line between an ostensible fool and the wise person is often easily crossed. Clearly you are not fools!

Your account is a compelling read. I encourage you to think about revising the report of your argument for publication in the American Bar Association Journal, Legal Times, American Lawyer magazine, National Law Journal, or perhaps The New York Times magazine, Harper’s magazine, New York Law Journal, etc. as a story of the value of representing yourself in this era that assumes and demands specialization, perhaps unnecessarily. In an important respect, your self-representation is the legal side of the phenomenon of self-diagnosis and self-medication that is more widely accepted in the world of medicine, in many respects exemplified by the patients who recognize their need to use of marijuana to treat their ailments.

I do not know the extent to which your pro se representation is unique for the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and to a large extent, that may be determined by the court’s ruling. But anticipating that you win, there is no doubt that it will be news (as defined as that story which evokes the response, “Holy Cow!”). You should prepare a press release now — to be completed when the court issues its ruling — that can attract not only legal and education beat reporters to your story, but general interest reporters who would love to report the story of “the two college students who took their university to one of the nation’s highest courts, and won.”

Again, Justin and R.J., congratulations,
Eric

(editor’s note: Eric Sterling is President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation)