Courting
The Law

PHOTO BY GLENN TRIEST

Students publish a
national entertainment
and sports law journal.

JENNIFER FINER STAFF WRITER

106

L

s law students, Scott Cherrin and Sandra
User wanted to learn about more than
contracts, torts, criminal law and civil pro-
cedure.
What fascinated them was a develop-
ing area of law related to the entertain-
ment and sports industries.
What frustrated them was a lack of re-
lated classes and reference materials at
the Detroit College of Law.
Mr. Cherrin and Ms. User, both 25 and
from West Bloomfield, turned their frus-
tration into action and helped found the
school's Entertainment & Sports Law So-
ciety.
"By showing an interest in this area of
law, the society hopes to see more class-
es and library ma-
terial on these
topics," said Mr.
Entertainment and sports law fans Sandra User and Scott Cherrin
Cherrin, a recent
DCL graduate who
is now studying for the bar exam. "We pros in business, so to speak. Hopefully this is beneficial for stu-
grouped entertainment and sports law to- dents who want to expand their knowledge in sports and enter-
Monday, February 13
gether because it appeals to a wider variety tainment law-related areas."
of people."
Robert A. McCormick, the faculty adviser to the Entertainment
Hillel of Metropolitan Detroit is sponsoring a coffee
Their group, in its third year, began pub- and Sports Law Society of DCL, applauds the students' efforts.
house night at the Birmingham Coffee Exchange.
lishing an entertainment and sports law jour-
"It's a good publication," he said. "The students have done a good
9 p.m.
nal last spring. What makes their publication job with it so far."
unique is it's one of a few nationally distrib-
Saturdays February 18
With their next publication slated for the spring, a tentative list
uted journals written and edited by students. of articles includes the application and enforcement of ski laws,
Hillel of Metropolitan Detroit is sponsoring a sock
The first edition, a 98-page compilation drafting and negotiating TV anchor contracts and salary cap im-
hop at Mat Shalom Synagogue. Call (313) 577-3459.
of articles, was sent to law schools around the plementations in the National Basketball Association. Mr. Cher-
country through a book distribution compa- rin and Ms. User are expecting to double the size of their first
Wednesdays February 22
ny. A handful of local law firms also subscribe journal.
A panel discussion on "The Influence of the Media
to the publication at a cost of $12 a year.
Many of the articles are generated from classroom discussion
on the Political Process." 7:30 p.m. at the Max M.
Journal topics vary. Mr. Cherrin examined and current "hot topics" in the field. The duo said they will consider
Fisher Building. Call (810) 642-4260.
trademark protection of television and motion publishing any quality paper relating to entertainment and sports
picture titles and the copyright protection of law.
Do you have an item for our young adult f singles
characters and plots in TV shows. Ms. User's
"Typically, it is hard to get something published," said Mr. Cher-
cakndar? Send it to Jennifer Finer at
article was on the commercial exploitation of rin, who was a communications major at the University of Michi-
The Jewish News
professional athletes.
gan. "We sidestepped that by creating our own nationally distributed
'With our publication, we tried to do some- law journal."
27676 Franklin Rd.
thing different," Ms. User said. "This is some-
In addition to the journal, the Entertainment & Sports Law So-
Southfield, MI 48034
thing that's hands-on. It allows us to talk to ciety sponsors two speakers each semester. Recent guests includ-