The Quill & Sword

On today’s podcast, we have an interview with three recent graduates of the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course: First Lieutenant Briana Kolota; First Lieutenant Asia Buss; and First Lieutenant Mandi Ford. MAJ Wellemeyer and MAJ Coffey had the opportunity to sit down with them to discuss what made them choose the JAG Corps, their commissioning sources, and their experiences in the application proc...

On today’s podcast we have an interview with Mr. Fred Borch about the historical events that shaped the practice of operational law by judge advocates into the robust practice area we know it as today: national security law. Mr. Borch is a Professor of Legal History and Leadership at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School where he also holds the title of Regimental Historian and Arch...

On today’s podcast, we have an interview with Professor Claire Finkelstein from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Professor Finkelstein is the founder and director of the Center for Ethics and Rule of Law at University of Pennsylvania Law School. MAJ Wellemeyer had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Finkelstein at the conclusion of the Ethical Challenges in the Development of New...

Our first podcast is an interview with General (Ret.) Joseph Votel. General Votel is recently retired from the United States Army after a 39 year career. The last position he held was as the Commander of US Central Command from March 2016 to March 2019.

This case analyzes the mandatory disclosure exception to the MRE 513 privilege.

This case involves two issues: ineffective assistance of counsel, alleging the defense team should have informed the accused to discuss certain collateral consequences, as well as prosecutorial misconduct in the form of improper argument.

This case offers the first CAAF analysis of the (relatively) new Article 117a offense.

This discussion focuses on the limits of the MRE 513 privilege.

This case explores some of the limits on a victim’s unsworn statement under RCM 1001A (now RCM 1001(c)).

The only judge advocate to be decorated for heroism in Vietnam, COL Finkelstein served for over 30 years in the Army JAG Corps. This week Fred tells the story of how a foreign claims mission to a Vietnamese village led then LTC Finkelstein to join with his infantry escort to repel a Viet Cong attack. ”**Music by Joseph McDade

Recorded in the SGM Nolan reading room and library at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Mr. Borch guides us through the life and decades of exemplary service of the first JAG Corps Sergeant Major—a position now known as the Regimental Command Sergeant Major. ”**Music by Joseph McDade ***The views expressed on the podcast are the views of the participants and do not necessarily...

Many listeners will be familiar with the military commissions in relation to the war on terror. However, long before those President Andrew Johnson ordered a military tribunal for the Lincoln assassination conspirators. Find out why on this episode of Fred Talks. For more information, see the report of the trial on the Library of Congress website website (https://www.loc.gov/re-source/llscd.200900...

When we last left off, the US Army JAG Corps was without a home after leaving the University of Michigan in the 1940’s. Part 2 of our series examines the winding path that led us to our current home on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. **Music by Joseph McDade ***The views expressed on the podcast are the views of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Judge Advoca...

Today, something new, something old, something different, something very much the same, BUT something everyone has been waiting with baited breath to hear. Join us as we talk about the history of this podcast’s namesake, the history of FRED. **Music by Joseph McDade ***The views expressed on the podcast are the views of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Judge Advocate...

Mr. Borch reading from a 123-year-old manual? Sounds like the latest episode of Fred Talks. Join us as Mr. Borch shines a light on the proverbial dark ages before the UCMJ. What was it like to try a case 150 years ago? Why and when did the nation move towards a standard uniform code? All this and more on episode 4! ***The views expressed on the podcast are the views of the participants and do not...

Episode 5! Judge Advocates have served in the Army since the 18th century, but the idea of a “JAG School” is relatively new. Mr. Borch details the history of the JAG Corp’s first brick and mortar institution, including a stop at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor during WWII. **Music by Joseph McDade ***The views expressed on the podcast are the views of the participants and do not necessaril...

The Evolution of the Paralegal & Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Mr. Borch takes us through the evolution of the paralegal specialist, both their role and their training. From legal clerk to para-professional, the Paralegal has seen a vast change in their responsibilities and duty titles over the last fifty years. Today, the paralegal is a vital part of any legal team, and often the tip of the...

Ever wonder why military judges wear black robes? OK, maybe that question doesn’t live rent free in your brain . . . BUT the answers are here, thanks to Mr. Borch our regimental historian. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) was a revolution in the way the military tries cases, but a second lesser known revolution took place in 1968 – the Military Justice Act. More attorneys, military judg...

I’d like to welcome you to something a little bit different on the Battlefield Next network of podcasts. You all have I’m sure heard of the world-famous, hard-hitting, cutting edge discussions on society and technology, known as Ted Talks. Well . . . . we don’t own any fancy skinny microphones, we can’t trade in our OCPs for black turtlenecks, BUT we can and will bring to you a segment fondly know...

The U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School announces The Quill and Sword Network of Podcasts: The Quill and Sword, FredTalks, Criminal Law Department Presents.