St. Thomas University College of Law

Associate Professor of Law David R. Upham's latest article, "Constitutional Parental Rights: No 'Substantive Due Process' Required," has been published by Public Discourse.

In the article, Professor Upham examines the constitutional foundations of parental rights through the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment, offering a historical and constitutional analysis of the relationship between parental authority and due process. The essay builds upon the scholarship presented in his recently published book, Taking American Citizenship Seriously: The Recovery of the Fourteenth Amendment.

🔗 https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2026/08/101634/

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Path to Practice ⚖️

Our next Path to Practice spotlight features Frances Lissabet, 3L, who is spending her summer gaining hands-on experience in criminal law with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, where she is assigned to the Narcotics Division.

Every day brings a new opportunity to learn. Whether observing court hearings, sitting in on witness preparation sessions for upcoming trials, or researching complex legal issues, Frances is gaining firsthand insight into the work of federal prosecutors and the realities of criminal litigation. Pictured with Frances is Yara Lorenzo Klukas, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and STU College of Law alumna ('09).

One of her biggest takeaways has been recognizing the difference between developing a case theory on paper and what ultimately holds up in the courtroom. Her experience has shown her that successful trial advocacy requires not only a strong understanding of the law, but also persuasion, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt in real time.

Her advice to fellow STU Law students: "Don't be afraid to ask your supervising attorney questions about their reasoning on charging decisions and strategy; that's where the real learning happens. But do your own due diligence to investigate your own question before you approach them."

One word to describe her experience so far: Eye-opening.

Interested in sharing your own journey? We invite STU Law students to connect with the Office for Career Development and help inspire future attorneys by sharing their unique Path to Practice.

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Congratulations to Fahad Al-Malki on earning the J.S.D. degree in Intercultural Human Rights! 🎉

His dissertation on “The International Legal Protection of Children in Armed Conflict in Syria” demonstrates, through a systematic review of the legal framework, institutional practices, political dynamics, and on-the-ground conditions in Syria, that the protection of children in protracted armed conflict is undermined not by a deficiency of applicable legal norms but by the structural inability of the international system (as currently configured) to convert normative aspiration into enforceable protection. This is a finding with important implications for the design of international legal mechanisms, the reform of accountability processes, and the recalibration of humanitarian access frameworks.

His thesis was supervised by Dr. Craig Hammer, Manager with the Development Data Group at The World Bank, and evaluated by Professor Dr. Roza Pati, Director of our LL.M./J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights.

Congratulations, Dr. Al-Malki, on this outstanding academic achievement. We wish you continued success as you advance the field of international human rights.

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As our STU Law graduates begin Day 1 of the Florida Bar Exam, we continue lifting each of our bar takers in prayer. 🙏⚖️

May they be guided with wisdom, filled with peace, and strengthened with confidence as they take this important step toward becoming attorneys.

The entire STU Community is praying for you. You’ve got this, Bobcats. 💙

Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro attended “America at 250: What Does It Mean to Be an American?,” hosted by the Federalist Society Miami Lawyers Chapter in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The program featured a panel discussion with Theo Wold, Senior Counselor at Palantir Technologies; Ryan Newman, Chief Deputy Attorney General; and Gabriel Groisman, Founder of Groisman LLC. The discussion was moderated by STU College of Law Adjunct Professor The Honorable Ed Artau of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcoming remarks from Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Dean Nuñez-Navarro was joined by fellow STU Law Adjunct Professor The Honorable Raag Singhal of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as well as Jordan Richardson and Stephen James Demanovich, Co-Presidents of the Federalist Society Miami Lawyers Chapter.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on American identity, citizenship, and the principles that continue to shape our nation as it commemorates 250 years.

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Path to Practice ⚖️

Our next Path to Practice spotlight features Elizabeth Ruiz, 3L, who is gaining hands-on experience in criminal law through an externship with the Law Office of the Public Defender in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Juvenile Division.

No two days look quite the same. From calendar calls and calling cases at the podium to client conversations, depositions, and trials, Elizabeth is gaining firsthand courtroom experience while developing the practical skills that will prepare her for a career in law.

One of her most valuable takeaways has been seeing the distinction between rehabilitation and retribution in practice. Her experience in juvenile court has shown her the meaningful impact rehabilitative services can have and inspired her to consider what the justice system could look like if similar opportunities existed at every level.

Her advice to fellow STU Law students: “Don’t be afraid to step up and say yes. You’ll never have a better opportunity to build your skills, make mistakes, ask questions, and grow than while you’re in law school, still surrounded by attorneys who want to help you succeed.”

One word to describe her experience so far: Becoming.

Interested in sharing your own journey? We invite STU Law students to connect with the Office for Career Development and help inspire future attorneys by sharing their unique Path to Practice.

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