Is a Bumblebee a Fish? How Linguistics Can Help Lawyers Interpret the Law

Is a bumblebee a fish? This question, explored in a recent California ruling, exemplifies the importance of deciphering linguistics in interpreting the law. On this topic, the Appellate Practice Section of the San Diego County Bar Association hosted a Web CLE course on October 28, 2022, entitled: “Corpus Linguistics as a Tool for Appellate Advocacy.” The featured presenters were Tammy Gales, Associate Professor of Comparative Literature, Languages, and Linguistics at Hofstra University, and James Heilpern, Esq., Senior Fellow of Law & Corpus Linguistics at Brigham Young University Law School. The course focused on historic and ongoing issues with the traditional approach to linguistics in the law and how the use of corpus linguistics — the study of language through “corpora” or large bodies of data showing how words are used in a real-life context — provides judges and lawyers useful tools for statutory interpretation and appellate argument that more efficiently achieves the goal of having uniformity between the legal and textual meaning of language. Read More

Tips from the Bar: Lara Worm

After 10 years as a federal prosecutor, Lara Worm pivoted from law and co-founded Bivouac Ciderworks, a hard cider taproom and restaurant in North Park. Read More

Tips from the Bench: Judge Daniel Goldstein

Walking into Department 1102 to appear before Judge Daniel Goldstein feels like someone is greeting you with a smile and a firm handshake. In the new courthouse the ceilings are high, the clerks and bailiffs get along well, and there are plants around to provide a uniquely San Diego feel. But when court is in session, the hard work begins. Judge Goldstein maintains this respectful atmosphere in his courtroom as he has throughout his life. Read More

Message from the Vice Chair

Greeting NLD Members, 

Stephanie Pengilley here, your vice chair. I am looking forward to becoming the division’s chair in just a few short months. This year NLD has put on many successful and educational events. September was not short of events. Early in the month NLD hosted a speed networking event, where members were able to network with senior attorneys. At the end of the month, NLD co-sponsored a “Pathways to Careers in Criminal Law” panel with the Criminal Law Section. Speakers presented several opportunities on how to obtain jobs the criminal law field. By collaborating with other sections NLD has been able to offer more events to its members this year. Read More