2027 Scottish Irish Cruise

**water shuttle required, wheelchair access limited

Dock in the charming harbor town of Falmouth, a historic maritime port on England’s stunning Cornish coast. Explore picturesque seaside streets, visit nearby castles and gardens, or take in sweeping coastal views while experiencing the rich seafaring heritage and relaxed charm of Cornwall.

Arrive in the colorful harbor town of Cobh, the gateway to Cork and the legendary Blarney Castle. From here, you can journey inland to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, explore lush Irish countryside, or wander Cobh’s charming waterfront filled with history, vibrant homes, and scenic harbor views.

Bid farewell to the scenic harbor town of Cobh as your ship departs, leaving behind the charm of colorful streets and the iconic Blarney Castle. Relax on deck, enjoy the coastal views, and set your sights on the next exciting destination on your CLE at sea journey.

**water shuttle required, wheelchair access limited

Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland, blends historic charm with modern culture, from the iconic Trinity College and Dublin Castle to the bustling Temple Bar district, full of music, pubs, and local energy. Its scenic streets, rich literary history, and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit port stop.

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city of history and creativity, known for the Titanic Belfast museum, the historic Belfast City Hall, and vibrant street art that tells the story of its past. Its lively culture, charming waterfront, and friendly locals make it an engaging port stop.

Greenock, Scotland, is a dynamic city known for its striking Glasgow Cathedral, the historic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and vibrant music and arts scenes. With its rich industrial heritage, lively culture, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a captivating port stop.

This destination CLE traces the dramatic origins of the Magna Carta, its evolution across centuries, and its enduring influence on modern American legal practice. Blending history, doctrine, and practical application, the program shows how a political crisis in medieval England became the backbone of constitutional protections still litigated today.

This opening session immerses participants in the volatile political and legal landscape of early 13th-century England. At the center is King John of England, a monarch whose heavy taxation, arbitrary justice, and military failures alienated both the nobility and the Church.

Attendees will explore the feudal system, the concept of royal prerogative, and the absence of meaningful legal constraints on the Crown. Particular focus is given to John’s disputes with the barons and the Church, including his conflict with Pope Innocent III, which culminated in England’s excommunication and political instability.

The session builds toward the baronial rebellion, highlighting how economic pressure, abuse of power, and lack of procedural fairness created a breaking point. By the end, participants will understand that the Magna Carta was not born out of idealism—but out of crisis, negotiation, and raw political leverage.

This session brings attendees to June 1215 at Runnymede, where King John, under pressure, agreed to the Magna Carta.
Participants will walk through the key provisions of the charter, including:

• Limits on taxation without consent
• Protection from unlawful imprisonment
• Access to swift and fair justice
• Constraints on royal authority

Special attention is given to Clauses 39 and 40—the foundation of what would become due process and access to justice:

• “No free man shall be seized… except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.”
• “To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice.”

The session also addresses the immediate aftermath: John’s repudiation of the charter, the outbreak of civil war, and the role of Pope Innocent III in nullifying the agreement.

This session tracks how the Magna Carta evolved from a failed peace treaty into one of the most influential legal documents in history.

Participants will examine how later English jurists—most notably Sir Edward Coke—revived and reinterpreted the Magna Carta as a symbol of fundamental rights. The session connects the charter to:

• The Petition of Right
• The English Bill of Rights
From there, the program follows its migration to the American colonies and its influence on:
• The United States Constitution
• The Bill of Rights

Attendees will see how Magna Carta principles—especially due process, jury trial rights, and limits on government power—became embedded in American jurisprudence.

The final session bridges history to present-day legal practice, demonstrating that the Magna Carta is not just symbolic—it remains deeply embedded in modern law.
Participants will explore how its principles are reflected in:

• Due process under the 5th and 14th Amendments
• The right to a jury trial
• Protection against arbitrary detention
• Access to courts and timely justice

The session includes discussion of landmark cases such as:

• Habeas Corpus cases
• Boumediene v. Bush

Practical application segments will challenge attorneys to consider:

• How due process arguments trace back to Magna Carta principles
• Ethical obligations in ensuring access to justice
• The role of lawyers in checking government overreach
• Modern threats to foundational liberties (delays in courts, executive authority, national security claims)

The session concludes with a forward-looking discussion: What does Magna Carta demand of today’s lawyers?

The False Claims Act is one of the federal government’s most powerful tools for combating fraud — but how did it come to be, and does it hold up under Constitutional scrutiny? This talk traces the FCA’s origins from its Civil War-era beginnings, dramatic revitalization by the 1986 amendments, and the Constitutional challenge currently working its way through the appellate system. At the heart of our discussion is the qui tam mechanism — the provision that allows private citizens to sue on the government’s behalf and share in any recovery — and the Constitutional questions it raises. Does allowing a private relator to exercise what is arguably an executive enforcement function violate the separation of powers? We will look to the Appointments Clause, Article II, the Take Care Clause, and the standing doctrine in the context of qui tam litigation, and how the Supreme Court has addressed these issues historically. By the end of this session, attendees will have a firm grasp of where the FCA came from, why it was built the way it was, and whether its most distinctive feature can survive constitutional challenge.

Southampton, a historic port city on England’s south coast, is a convenient and welcoming disembarkation point, offering easy access to the region and nearby attractions like the SeaCity Museum and Winchester Cathedral. Its maritime heritage and central location make ending your journey here effortless.