Opinions
Vivian ChengNovember 2, 2020
Beets: delicious or devilish?
Editors’ Corner Welcome to Editor’s Corner, the (hopefully) monthly column where Ultra Vires’ Senior Editorial Board espouses their thoughts on arbitrary, yet divisive topics. This […]
Vivian ChengNovember 2, 2020
U of T Law Made a Mistake by Opting for Hybrid Classes
The shift to remote learning came too late On October 10, the Faculty of Law made the decision to revert back to remote learning as […]
William MazurekNovember 2, 2020
What is Going on in Academia?
Recent lack of civility legal in scholarship troubling and embarrassing Law students are often imbued with the premise that reputation and civility are everything in […]
William MazurekOctober 5, 2020
Sad Attempt at a Semester
The Faculty’s attempt at delivering in-person courses gets an LP U of T Law departed from many of its peers in June when it announced […]
Sabrina MacklaiOctober 5, 2020
The Semester Must Go On
In response to criticisms against the University and Faculty’s COVID-19 recovery efforts Editor’s note: this article was written in response to “Sad Attempt at a […]
Avnee ParanjapeOctober 5, 2020
Cognomos Strikes (Out) Again
Another Year, Another Shambolic Course Selection Process In retrospect, there were early signs that the 2020-2021 course selection would fulfill all the promise it demonstrated […]
Annecy PangOctober 5, 2020
Student Survey Says: Cognomos Sucks
Maximizing happiness, it did not Another year, another disappointing upper-year course selection process. Ultra Vires collected responses from the student body on their experience with […]
Hussein E. E. FawzyOctober 5, 2020
Call for a Faculty Reporting Mandate for In-House COVID-19 Cases
The Faculty must keep students and staff regularly informed of positive COVID-19 cases On September 8, Associate Dean Christopher Essert emailed the U of T […]
Danya FirestoneOctober 5, 2020
GrasshoppHer: Mentorship, Redefined.
Mentorship, networking and recruitment will look different post-2020. Enter GrasshoppHer. GrasshoppHer: A Mobile Application GrasshoppHer is a mobile app that connects female and non-binary mentees […]
Portia ProctorOctober 5, 2020
A New York State of Mind
Reflecting on a summer working remotely for a New York law firm This summer, I worked remotely for a New York law firm for five […]
Avnee ParanjapeOctober 3, 2020
Cognomos Strikes (Out) Again
Another Year, Another Shambolic Course Selection Process In retrospect, there were early signs that the 2020-2021 course selection would fulfill all the promise it demonstrated […]
Morgan WatkinsJuly 5, 2020
Time for the LSO to formalize its relationship with students
During the pandemic, the LSO’s consultations with law students addressing the impact of COVID-19 have reinforced the need for an institutional role for students. The […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 29, 2020
STEM Students Do Fine, Thanks
There is no difference in 1L grades by undergraduate program Associate Dean Albert Yoon stated during the townhall that one of the animating concerns for […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 29, 2020
LRW is the Black Sheep of the 1L Curriculum
Either good writing isn’t helpful for law school or LRW doesn’t assess writing ability well With the proposed 1L curriculum changes (see “Slashing Small Group” […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 29, 2020
Graduation Awards Should Switch to a Ranked-Vote
3Ls shouldn’t have to risk vote-splitting The SLS should switch graduation awards to a ranked voting system. Specifically, an instant-runoff vote, where the candidate receiving […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 6, 2020
Farewell to Ultra Vires
Two editors reflect on their experiences Editing for Ultra Vires is a curious experience. Yes, once a month, you have to sit in the unbelievably […]
Amy ChenApril 6, 2020
How far will a woman go for Mango White Claw?
Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws On a cold Saturday morning, 29 February 2020, White Claw landed in Toronto. It soon became available in […]
D’Arcy WhiteMarch 9, 2020
A semester abroad to be proud of?
My exchange at Tsinghua University I had this strange dilemma while on exchange at Tsinghua University: Should I buy a Tsinghua hoodie? As my time […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 9, 2020
In Defence of First-Year Small Groups
Proposal to reduce small groups from full-year to one-semester courses should be opposed Sometime later this semester Faculty Council will consider an administration proposal to […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 9, 2020
The Principles of Legal Citation
On the Construction of the McGill Guide Ruth Sullivan, author of On the Construction of Statutes, and (presumed) heiress to Elmer Driedger’s statutory interpretation fortune, […]
Olivia HodsonMarch 9, 2020
Delgamuukw Supports Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs’ Claims
Rule of law and Indigenous rights not mutually exclusive Demonstrations have spread across the country in support of Wet’suwet’en land protectors in British Columbia. Land […]
Alexa CheungMarch 9, 2020
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Omigod you guys it was so good Most of us are familiar with Legally Blonde and the journey of Elle Woods from empty-headed sorority president […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 9, 2020
Cowboys, Arias, and Scalding Hot Tea
A review of Law Follies Law Follies took place 6 February 2020. ★★★★★ This year, for the first time ever, I attended Law Follies. I […]
Avnee ParanjapeMarch 6, 2020
Twisting in the Wind
Lack of Administrative Transparency Mars Counselling Program In late January, students receiving mental health counselling services at the law school were dealt a blow with […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 3, 2020
Martini Is …
In praise of the perfect apérative The eminent mixologist David A. Embury once wrote that “[i]t is hard to conceive of any worse cocktail monstrosity […]
William MazurekFebruary 3, 2020
Delgamuukw Does Not Support Wet’suwet’en Protestors’ Claims
Northern BC pipeline conflict raises questions about the duty to consult Tensions erupted in northern British Columbia in mid-January as the RCMP set up a […]
Adrienne RalphDecember 2, 2019
Don Cherry Fired for “You People” Rant
Sour Grapes Yes, Don Cherry’s comments were targeted at immigrants; yes, they were uncalled for; and yes, firing him was a good decision. For those […]
Editor-in-ChiefDecember 2, 2019
Animal Desires
The case for fostering animals and volunteering at shelters I recently awoke to the sensation of a cat gently but insistently pawing my cheek. It […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 2, 2019
A Cowboy’s Conundrum
How my hunt for the perfect Halloween costume turned into an exploration of obsession, ethics, and international law Disclaimer: The author does not intend any […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 2, 2019
Law School Needs to Live With Alumni Advocacy
A response to the “Marcus McCann” Tweet I write this as someone who has felt pressured to not practice law in less lucrative areas. Carrying […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 2, 2019
Wolf on Bay Street
I’m looking for a job, not a date Months ago, I sent a thank you email to an associate at a big Bay Street firm. […]
Lucy YaoNovember 2, 2019
The Co-Curricular Application Process Needs Improvement
Selecting co-curricular activities shouldn’t be this difficult After the September application deadlines for PBSC, DLS, the IHRP and the Asper Centre had passed, October promised […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 30, 2019
The Porcelain Inconvenience of Cognomos
Why course registration sucks ass Cognomos is a shit hole. Hear me out. Course registration is like defecating—we all need to do it, and, while […]
Lucy YaoSeptember 30, 2019
Restricting Accessibility
Is the administration doing enough for student accessibility services? Volunteer note-taking is the most commonly required accommodation provided to students registered with Accessibility Services. Unfortunately, […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 30, 2019
Faking It After Making It
Revisiting recruitment ethics and etiquette The purpose of this article is not to tell you how to use your napkin or to expound on the […]
Editor-in-ChiefJune 11, 2019
The Law Society Should Not Get to Decide My Principles
Forcing someone to express an opinion that they do not hold “is totalitarian and as such alien to the tradition of free nations like Canada, […]
Adil AbdullaApril 16, 2019
Dangers of Believing You Own SOP Story
A Critical Look at the LSO’s Statement of Principles The legal profession continues to tear itself up about the new Statement of Principles (SOP) enacted […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Reflections on the Davies Moot
Or how I learned to love the Securities Act Introduction: “Days of Thrinder” If you were to ask someone who has participated in a moot—competitive […]
Jeremy GreenbergMarch 27, 2019
Don’t Trek to Israel
itrek gives an unapologetically pro-Israel version in a deeply nuanced conflict area This spring, a group of University of Toronto law students will embark on […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
War of the Rosés
In Vino Veritas Last March, IVV reviewed some rosés in anticipation of summer. This year, Amy Lin (1L) suggested that we review some more rosés, […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
How to Reform the Prison System
And break free of debt Would you like to reform Ontario’s criminal justice system while transferring $45 million annually to expenses like education, housing […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Voting For or Vetoing Diversity?
A statement on the LSO’s Statement of Principles Elections are currently afoot at the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Lawyers and paralegals from across the […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
A Hearty Mac ‘n’ Cheese for the Weary Student
Food for thought It is that time of year again. The days are getting longer, not just because the sun is up later, but because […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 20, 2019
Review of the Basque Region
Content warning: You might not want to read this if you are hungry Biking to work in The Hague every day this summer made me […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 27, 2019
In Vino Veritas
Bold reds, budget prices As someone who grew up in Ottawa, and who studied in Montreal, I’m apprehensive about bemoaning Toronto’s winter. We usually have […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 27, 2019
Introducing You to U of T Law’s Newest Club: The Cannabis Law Club!
A joint venture in a budding industry We are excited to announce that the Faculty of Law now has Canada’s first cannabis-law-related club, the Cannabis […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 4, 2019
Date Spots for Valentine’s Day Dinner
Surprise that special someone by handing them the cheque Contrary to Dickens’ eternal wisdom, February is probably the worst month for law students. The 1L […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 4, 2019
In Vino Veritas
Exquisite, ebullient effervescence Sometimes, I wonder if people associate Champagne with celebrations because there is something exhilarating about popping a cork and spraying foam all […]
Norm YallenFebruary 2, 2019
Put Word Counts on Exams
Perspectives from exchange When I was on exchange in Geneva this past semester, I had the opportunity to approach school in a different way. I […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
Bill C-75’s Effect on Access to Justice
New code, more problems Bill C-75 is a criminal justice omnibus bill. It was introduced by the Liberal Government in March of 2018, and has […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
In Cannabis Veritas
Get blunted, and other New Year’s resolutions Someone recently told me that New Year’s resolutions are bad for your mental health. Apparently, they set you […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
I Want a Life Outside Law School
A 1L perspective Towards the end of the first week, I began to feel overwhelmed. It was after a week of non-stop activities: Legal Methods […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
Top 7 Reasons to Have a Baby in Law School
If you’ve ever bumped into me at the law school, I’ve likely banged on about how great it is to have a child in law […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
Hart House’s Hair Review
“Everyone just… gets naked… Why?” I feel as though it is important to establish that this is my first time seeing the iconic 1967 musical […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
But when you’re paying $40,000 in tuition… Everyone loves free food, and when you’re a broke law student on the verge of maxing out your […]
Benjamin MillerNovember 28, 2018
The Quirkiest Cases in Charity Law
From internet access to eagle carcasses, what qualifies as charitable under the law? If you thought charity law was all about bake sales and clothing […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
The Combined Program’s Lament, or Stockholm Syndrome?
Missing the law school As I sit in my classes and work on my papers for my Masters of Social Work program, I often catch […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
Food for Thought: Saag Paneer
A delicious and nutritious way to feed your brain this exam season Exam season can be overwhelming. You have a lot on your plate. Ironically, […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
In Cannabis Veritas
Take a break from studying and get zooted If there was ever a time when a law student could use a diversion, it is exam […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
Scribendi Cacoëthes
Let your inspiration flow from a fountain pen Buying a fountain pen revolutionized the way I write. If you write anything substantial by hand, do […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
In Vino Veritas
Highlights from our November tasting On November 2, In Vino Veritas (IVV) hosted a tasting prior to the Call to the Bar. The event, titled […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
Reconsidering the Jackman Building
A response to Matthew Mohtadi The Jackman building, much like the law, warrants a careful and nuanced reading. In 1478, members of the Pazzi family […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 8, 2018
In Cannabis Veritas
17/10 blaze it For the first time in living memory, smoking cannabis is legal in Canada. Right now, you can go to www.OCS.ca and buy […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
You Don’t Belong
You don’t belong here You don’t belong because your LSAT score was a fluke You don’t belong because you didn’t get accepted to the clinic […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
Giving a Crap or Taking a Crap?
Reflections on the 2L OCI process from a WOC perspective Angry Brown Girl (2L)* On-Campus Interviews. Also known as OCIs. The term—and the way upper […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
Speak of the Devil, the Devil Appears
Lady Arden appointed to the UK Supreme Court On occasion, one finds oneself privy to a conversation so esoteric, that cannot help but listen in […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
The Jackman Law Building Sucks
Every year, thousands of tourists descend upon U of T to admire and capture its architectural beauty. There is, however, nothing to admire about the […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
In Vino Veritas
Ontario offerings: yours to discover Did you know that Ontario has a thriving wine culture? You may have noticed that the LCBO has a small […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
A Commuter’s Guide to Law School Survival
Let’s be honest. We have all had our fair share of “oops, I did it again” 2018 moments (cue Britney). I, for one, did the […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
In Vino Veritas
Six great wines to start the year Welcome to another year of wine reviews! If you are new to the law school, then allow me […]
Tali CherninOctober 12, 2018
Tali Rants on the Ghomeshi Comeback Gambit
All the obvious trigger warnings for dudes defending sexual predators Ghomeshi just got published in the The New York Review of Books and it is […]
Tali CherninOctober 12, 2018
Tali Rants about Articling and the Future of Law
LSO needs to hear from us about articling reform With the proposed changes to the articling program, I’ve been thinking about the LSO’s strategic objective […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Travel with Tsui: Review of the Faroe Islands
Our travel columnist travels to Iceland’s little cousin Tourist boards of the world have Instagram to thank for bringing visitors to previously undiscovered places. The […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Exit Thoughts: U of T Law Does Not Suck
I like it here. It’s strange, isn’t it, seeing those words written out? We’re so focused on the negative that we’re almost conditioned to react […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Unpopular Views: 2018 Bestows Trilogy of Terrible Art
Lily Chapnik Rosenthal (1L) A piece of wisdom in our modern Western society is that, with each passing year, we are meant to advance. […]
Kevin SchoenfeldtMarch 28, 2018
Exit Thoughts: Failing Better
Kevin Schoenfeldt (3L) This is the last article I’m ever going to write for UV. In less than a month, law school will be […]
SuJung LeeMarch 28, 2018
“See Yourself Here”… on Bay Street?
SuJung Lee (2L) “See Yourself Here” is an annual, daylong event held at the law school for high school students from historically underrepresented communities […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Exit Thoughts: Apr1L
Suhasini Rao (1L) It’s dangerous to reflect in the middle of March. Depending on who you are, the summer job hunt starts roughly in […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Faculty Hiring: Is “Just Above” Minimum Wage Enough?
Daryna Kutsyna (1L) Every year, the Faculty Recruit presents over a hundred positions to students that range from assisting professors with casebook research to working […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
The Case of the Missing Candidates
Robert Nanni (1L) On Tuesday, March 21, we all received an email from our beloved Chief Returning Officer (CRO) Aidan Campbell with the SLS […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Ryerson Law: Well-Intentioned but Misses the Mark
Robert Nanni (1L) The other day I was talking to a family member who, by no fault of their own, doesn’t really understand this […]
Kevin SchoenfeldtMarch 1, 2018
Let’s Fix Legal Process and LRW
I think we can all agree on the worst class in 1L. It’s Legal Process, right? Or wait, is it LRW? I’ve spoken to people […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
PM’s Assurances Not Enough to Quell Fears Over Ideological Jobs Program Restrictions
Under the Canada Summer Jobs program, Members of Parliament fund summer student hires for select small businesses, non-profits, and public-sector organizations. While that may seem […]
Web EditorFebruary 4, 2018
Review: The Crucible at Hart House
Anti-McCarthyite Message of this Landmark American Theatre Piece Remains Impactful Puritan Massachusetts, 1692. A group of young, disenfranchised women. Accusations of witchcraft. On the surface, […]
Web EditorFebruary 4, 2018
New Term, New Me, New Stress: Trials and Tribulations of the 1L Experience
As us 1Ls welcome a fresh semester with open and loving arms, having just come off a two-week Netflix binge, we return to the familiar […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
Is the Law Greener on the Other Side?
Compiled by Rachel Chan (2L) & Youssef Aziz (2L) As students who have been at U of T Law since day one, we can get […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
In Response to “Stuck Inside Toronto with the Bay Street Blues Again”
Jennifer Power (3L)* In the wake of its publication, I’ve watched as a few of my peers continued to share this article† on Facebook with […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
Reactions to “Black on Bay Street”
Rachel Chan (2L), Solomon McKenzie (2L) & Anonymous Rachel Chan (2L) Hadiya Roderique’s article sparked a dialogue about persistent racial inequality on Bay […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
How I Learned to Start Worrying and Love Hate Speech Laws
Adin Wagner (2L) When my first year Constitutional Law class covered the right to freedom of expression, the hate speech laws under s. 319 […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
Is Legal Professionalism a Gendered Construct?
Lily Chapnik Rosenthal (1L) At the 1L Joint Professionalism Training, in September, a portion of the day was dedicated to speaking about what constitutes […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
Black at U of T Law
Rachel Chan (2L) Just before Bay Street in-firm interview week, in mid-November, the Globe and Mail published “Black on Bay Street” by Hadiya Roderique. This […]
Web EditorOctober 25, 2017
OCI Mistakes
Madeline Lisus (2L) RE: October 2018 Student Article in Ultra Vires Dear [Editor Name]: Please accept this compilation, with the enclosed commentary and screenshots, as […]
Web EditorOctober 25, 2017
If You Love the Law So Much, Why Don’t You Marry It?
Robert Nanni (1L) When I got accepted to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, I was excited for many reasons. Attending school with […]
Web EditorOctober 25, 2017
Stuck Inside Toronto with the Bay Street Blues Again
Anonymous One morning, a few weeks into my summer job at a full-service Bay Street firm, the student co-ordinator scheduled a meeting for me […]
SuJung LeeOctober 25, 2017
Cringeworthy OCI Moments
Compiled by Rachel Chan (2L) & SuJung Lee (2L) Everything about On-Campus Interviews is bizarre. For those who are not familiar with the process, […]
SuJung LeeOctober 25, 2017
Why I Hate the Jackman Law Building
SuJung Lee (2L) The first time I entered the Jackman Law Building, in 1L, I was excited about the beauty of the new space […]
Web EditorSeptember 28, 2017
What Should I Be Asking?
Suhasini Rao (1L) There is a universal truth known to anyone who followed Timothy Goes To School during its three seasons of glory: starting a […]
Web EditorSeptember 28, 2017
Business Organizations: A Misguided Requirement
Tajja Isen (3L) The history of corporate law can be summed up in three simple propositions. First, a small group of white men want to […]
Web EditorSeptember 28, 2017
An Impostor at U of T Law
Nick Papageorge (3L) I vividly remember being accepted to U of T Law. I had, along with my dad, been to a matinee showing of […]
SuJung LeeSeptember 28, 2017
Wise Words From Random Upper Years
Compiled by Rachel Chan (2L) & SuJung Lee (2L) “Don’t linger on not getting that grade, mooting spot, summer position, whatever. Law school is weird—100% […]
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