– PAST CONFERENCE –

Twists on the Constitution

Canada and New England Cruise

August 4-14, 2023

8 CLE Hours (3 Ethics)

Experience the colonial history and iconic Eastern seaboard towns sailing Canada & New England with Princess Cruise Lines

WHERE IS THE EVENT:

Our cruise on the Princess Caribbean starts in Quebec City, Canada and ends in New York, New York.

WHEN IS THE EVENT:

August 4-14, 2023. CLEs take place on Monday, August 7 and Sunday, August 13 while at sea.

GET THE DETAILS

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CLE Sessions take place while we are at sea.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 – QUEBEC CITY, CANADA

Embarkation Day

Quebec City will be your “hotel on the water” for two days in port. Town Planner describes it as a “taste of France without leaving the continent.” And it is! As you explore the cobbled streets and historic architecture of the Haute-Ville to the Basse-Ville, be ready for breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Chateau Frontenac. Wander the many shops and soak up Quebec City’s charm. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover, many wonderful restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and specialty shops. You can’t find a better place to smile and stroll.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 – QUEBEC CITY, CANADA

Depart at 5:00 p.m.

Departure Day

All aboard a high-end cruise ship, complete with more amenities than you’ll have time for. Pools, buffets, music, movies, dancing. Or relax with some tea and biscuits. You may not want to leave…until you hear about all the great stops and outings.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 – SAGUENAY, CANADA

Time in port: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nestled in stunning natural beauty of Northern Quebec, Saguenay is a lesser known favorite just waiting to be discovered. The city sits on the shores of the Saguenay River surrounded by breathtaking hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers of the Saguenay Graben. You’ll find the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Explore museums, art galleries, and enjoy the local delicious food. The locals are particularly friendly and you’ll notice. It’s a magical stop.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 – CLE Sessions while at sea

8:30 a.m.

Check-in

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

COVID & 1st Amendment

Review of the basics associated with the 1st Amendment to the Constitution, along with other provisions that were the subject of timely and high-profile litigation surrounding the Covid. This presentation will also focus on the rights that are protected by the 1st Amendment, including those not litigated during the height of Covid. A welcome opportunity for legal practitioners to sort out what they remember learning in law school from some of the more recent debates surrounding the same points in the media, and among friends and family.

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Everything is Regulation

Everything regulation issued by federal agencies must comply with the Administrative Procedure Act and standards of “due process” under the 5th Amendment. You’ll learn about each and the breadth of their impact, including for reproductive and other health-related rights.

11:00 a.m.

15-minute break

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Regulation in the Real World

Here we dive deeper into how the “due process” of the 5th Amendment applies to real world situations. A key theme is the evolving, and discrediting, of a line of cases from long ago during the “Lochner Era.” The concept more recently returned in cases like Griswald v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade. And it’s once again in doubt in the wake of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. We’ll also explore questions of the “free exercise” and “establishment” clauses of the 1st Amendment, which consider what role the government can play in the religious and spiritual life of U.S. citizens.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Constitution: US v. Canada

How much do you actually know about other countries’ constitutions? Here we’ll contrast the foundational documents of the US and Canada, a refreshing view you don’t normally get.

2:00 p.m.

CLEs end for the day

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 – CHARLOTTETOWN, CANADA

Time in port: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island is a gorgeous and historical seaside city offering a hub full of culture, festivals and events, artisan shops, world-class restaurants, and so much more. Tourism PEI properly boasts of its “abundance of adventure…Explore our fishing villages, charming small towns, sprawling farming communities and thriving urban centres.”

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 – SYDNEY, CANADA

Time in port: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Another fabulous stop at Sydney where the waterfront life is perfect for a great walk. Bring your camera and take a picture of the world’s largest fiddle, a tribute to the folk music of the Celtic community. Enjoy the fresh seafood in a warm and cozy restaurant.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 – HALIFAX, CANADA

Time in port: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Halifax has a “small-town vibe with all the amenities of a big city,” raves Travel Site Planet D. The rich history of the Mi’kmaq peoples’ ancestral lands are well documented at the Museum of Natural History. Visit the forested Point Pleasant Park, called “Amntu’kati” or the “Spirit Place” who gave birth to the 7 original families. Explore the park, outdoor theatre concerts, and Shakespeare by the Sea.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 – BAR HARBOR, MAINE

Time in port: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TripAdvisor describes Bar Harbor as 19th Century’s favorite vacation spot for society’s “upper crust.” It is considered to have a world-renowned ambiance that blends down east character with the famous Main Lobster “lob-stuh.”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 – BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Time in port: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Boston is a historic city and one of the oldest cities in the US. In addition to its unique role in the American Revolution, it’s known for world-renowned universities, museums, and sports teams. Don’t miss the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route taking visitors to 16 historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the site of the Boston Tea Party.

SUNDAY – AUGUST 13, 2023 – CLE Sessions while at sea

Legal Ethics (3 hours Ethics/Professionalism/Substance Abuse depending on state accreditation)

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Malpractice Traps

This session covers the basics of client solicitation, the handling of client funds, diligence, and many of the other topics that are the most frequent reasons why clients file ethics complaints with a State’s Bar.

10:30 a.m.

15-minute break

10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Legal Ethics & Substance Abuse

This session is relatively new and perhaps long overdue. It will cover the ethical issues associated with attorney substance abuse, particularly alcohol, and how the various State Bars have responded to this very real problem.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

American Pirates

This session will be a trip back in time (or not?) to when Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution was written. Among the many powers delegated to Congress was the right to “define and punish Piracies” and to “grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal” to engage in what was commonly called “privateering.” We’ll explore what the Founders were trying to accomplish with these provisions and whether they are still relevant in 2023. Read ye this well: anyone wearing pirate-themed attire or using pirate “vernacular” will be given a door prize!

2:00 p.m.

CLEs end

MONDAY – AUGUST 14, 2023 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Time in port: 7:00 a.m.

Disembarkation Day

Disembarkation schedule will be delivered to your stateroom.

Take a flight back to your home or stay overnight and visit the Big Apple! New York is an unforgettable city. You can see a Broadway show, visit the bustling streets of Chinatown, see Wall Street, and the empire state building, or take in one of the many museums. This city offers something for everyone.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Matthew J. McKeown, Esq.

Matthew J. McKeown served in national leadership in the U.S. Departments of Justice and Interior, starting his career as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Idaho. Matt is a frequent speaker and a recognized authority on a variety of legal and litigation subjects, including attorney ethics.