What Happened When Connecticut Sent Its Prisoners to a Virginia Supermax I recently learned about an important case in law school for jurisdiction issues that has an interesting criminal justice lens and highlights a dramatic controversy around prison conditions in recent history. This case caught my attention and pulled my heartstrings in so many ways … read more
Justice In the Making – Walking Through History
Reflections on the Past and the Future of Law in America This past weekend, I took a four-hour walk around the National Mall here in Washington, D.C. It was a beautiful day, and the impact of the beauty of DC and the symbolism of the monuments surrounding me was immense. As I made my way … read more
Justice in the Making – Personal Juridiction in Law School
Personal jurisdiction is one of the most critical concepts in civil procedure, determining whether a court has the authority to hear a case involving a particular defendant. This is the doctrine that I have spent my first four weeks of law school in Civil Procedure focused on. I think its implications are not only pivotal … read more
Justice In the Making – First Week as a 1L
My First Week as a First-Year Law Student Hi everyone, I know I’ve been away for a little while, but that’s because I have officially started my law school journey! I recently moved to Washington, D.C., completed orientation, and finished my very first week of classes. What an absolute whirlwind it has been. I went … read more
Justice in the Making – Reflecting on Sentencing Disparity
Something I have been reflecting on recently is sentencing disparity in our justice system. In college, I minored in Women and Gender Studies, which I think is an interesting lens through which to view this subject. One of the biggest disparities in sentencing is gender based, with men typically receiving much longer sentences for similar … read more
Justice in the Making – The Responsibility of Proximity
As I prepare to take my first steps into my life as an official law student, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the power that lies not just in the degree I’m pursuing, but in the place I’ll be pursuing it. DC is the hot spot of lawyers, and I will be surrounded by young aspiring … read more
Justice in the Making – I Am Officially a Law Student!
I’m Officially a Law Student! It’s official!!! I got into law school! Starting this Fall 2025, I will be attending American University Washington College of Law, obtaining my JD with a concentration in Intellectual Property Law. It has been a week and still writing those words, it’s hard to believe. All those years of dreaming, … read more
Justice in the Making – Traveling as a Future Law Student
Before diving headfirst into law school applications and the nail-biting waiting game of the Fall 2025 cycle, I leaped across the ocean and spent a transformative semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I knew law school would require absolute focus, and I had committed to its completion for a lifetime. As someone who had never … read more
Justice in the Making- Reflections on Prison Art and Advocacy
When I first heard of Impartial and its Criminal Justice advocacy work, I was immediately drawn to its mission, ideas, and programs. This was when I first reached out to begin working with Impartial, but my main interest began to shift once I discovered the prison art program and was introduced to some of the … read more
Justice in the Making – A Week of Reflection and Realization
New York City This past week, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. I am proud to have graduated with honors in both majors and to be a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society. With my … read more
Justice in the Making- The Climb
Graduation “I can almost see it, that dream I’m dreaming…” Those lyrics from “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus have never felt more personal, and I feel more universal for the human experience. One of my generation’s favorite childhood hits has a far different meaning to me now. As I prepare to walk across the graduation … read more
Justice in the Making- Balancing Life and Law Dreams
Balancing Life and Law Dreams As a young person determined to pursue a career in law, few things are more daunting than staring down the next three years, packed with intense classes, long nights, and what feels like endless stress. And beyond that? Decades of work in a demanding profession. It’s overwhelming to even think … read more
Justice in the Making- AI and the Future of Law
One of the hottest topics in media today is the rise of artificial intelligence and, more recently, the invention and prevalence of deepfake technology. I had never heard of this until recently, but I have become more aware of its presence and real examples of its existence. I have seen many people across social media … read more
Justice in the Making-How Public Speaking Shaped My Path to Law
“Light travels faster than sound. That’s why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak”- Albert Einstein. Public speaking is one of the biggest skills a person pursuing a career in law or even the justice system needs. Without the ability to conduct yourself in front of large groups or to give a speech, … read more
Justice in the Making-Community is Key
I recently watched an incredible speech by Cynthia Erivo for Essence’s “Black Women In Hollywood 2025” during this International Women’s Month. To put it simply, it was an amazing and powerful speech that truly resonated with me. She spoke about individual power, the capacity to “fly,” and, most importantly, never letting anyone hold you back … read more
Justice in the Making
Hello everyone, I am sure you all stumbled upon this blog and are wondering, who Sophie is and why I am reading a blog written by her about criminal justice through Imparial, NC. I hope to answer those questions in this first introduction to me and my passion for criminal justice. First off, to introduce … read more
