Special Events

The Zief Law Library Celebrates Veterans Day: Monday, November 11th, 2024

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

In celebration of Veterans Day, Zief Law Librarian Tim Sanzi explores the holiday’s history, highlights relevant legal research resources, and shares some upcoming Bay Area events of interest. 

Left: A contingent from the San Jose United Veterans Council marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade.Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I.
Left: A San Jose United Veterans Council contingent marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade. San Jose United Veterans Council/Greg Ramar. Right: Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day, November 11th, 2018. Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to The Chronicle. Both images courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle.

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. – US Embassy and Consulate in Brazil.

The image shows two photographs. The first is the front page of the 'San Francisco Chronicle' published on November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. It reads: "Great War Over." The second image shows returning World War I soldiers welcomed home by a parade at City Hall, 1918.
Above: ‘San Francisco Chronicle’ front page, November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. Library of Congress Photography Archives. Below: Left: Returning soldiers welcomed home at City Hall. Photo credit: McCurry Foto Co. Sacramento.

As Veterans Day approaches, the Zief Law Library wishes to recognize and honor the veterans among our students, faculty, and staff at the University of San Francisco School of Law. This day also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served with dedication and valor. 

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11th and has a rich history that dates back to the end of World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the official end of the First World War, which occurred at 11 AM on November 11th, 1918  (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), and the peace negotiations that followed. In 1954, the holiday was renamed “Veterans Day” after long-term petitioning of major United States veteran organizations. The first Veterans Day Presidential Proclamation was issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. President Eisenhower’s speech publicly declared the holiday’s name change to Veterans Day. His speech encouraged Americans to “remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly…to preserve our heritage of freedom, and… promot[e] an enduring peace.”

Since 1954, Veterans Day has been recognized annually by presidential proclamations. In his 2023 Veterans Day Proclamation, President Joseph Biden highlighted ongoing challenges that U.S. veterans face, such as access to housing, employment, mental health resources, and legal representation. President Biden ended his speech by detailing national efforts to help support veterans and encouraged Americans to recognize the holiday each November by participating in appropriate patriotic ceremonies or community activities. To learn more about the history and social significance of Veterans Day, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Commemorating Veterans Day: Research Resources

For those interested in learning more about Veterans Day and its significance, we recommend exploring the following resources:

  • The Veterans History Project: The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service.
Researchers working with Veterans History Project collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room, Library of Congress.
Researchers working with VHP collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room. Photo credit: Shawn Miller. Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.
  • Historical documents related to Veterans Day, including the Presidential Actions Archives, an archive of past Executive Orders, Memorandum, Proclamations, and more.
  • Print and eBooks from the Zief Law Library Collection: To explore books from the Zief Law Library collection written by veteran authors and/or discussing military service experiences regarding the law, please explore the Zief catalog. Relevant topics include: military law; international law; international human rights law and advocacy; U.S. politics; health law, mental health, and medical benefits; disability law, compensations, and pensions; employment law; national security; and family law. 

Bay Area Events

  • San Francisco Veterans Day Parade, 2024: San Francisco’s free Veterans Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 10th, from 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM in Fisherman’s Warf. 
  • San Jose’s 106th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony, 2024: San Jose’s Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on November 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Downtown, San Jose. Each year, since 1918, the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County has produced a Veterans Day Parade with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations. This parade is the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California.

  • Legion of Honor Centennial Weekend Celebration for Veterans Day: On November 11th, 2024, join The Legion of Honor for special Veterans Day programs as part of their Centennial Weekend Celebration. Events include live organ concerts on the museum’s rare Spreckels Organ, docent tours, and a special lecture, The Thinker’s Place, in conjunction with the newly opened exhibition Celebrating 100 Years at the Legion of Honor. Museum admission is free for all active duty military personnel and veterans during Veterans Day Weekend 2024. 

    For more information on Veterans Day events in your area, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA News, or the City and County of San Francisco government website!

References

Zief Law Library Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources

Posted on by Randall Seder

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 2024: OCTOBER 14TH

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the day, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay Area events of interest.

Image of a Navajo woman wearing a shirt that says, "Natives Vote: Every Vote Counts." The image is from Patty Ferguson-Bohnee's 2020 article, "How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed,” from the American Bar Association website.
“I will never forget the Navajo grandmother who spoke only Navajo and could not vote after Arizona passed its voter ID law in 2004…The system failed to consider her reality as a Navajo woman and failed to value her as a voter. Fortunately, she was persistent in exercising her right to vote, but not all voters are, nor should they have to be…” “How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed,” Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, 2020, American Bar Association website.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY HISTORY

Join the Zief Law Library in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14th, 2024. Indigenous Peoples Day is an official city and state holiday in various jurisdictions within the United States. The holiday acknowledges Indigenous resilience, sovereignty, and diverse cultural heritage, as well as commemorates their immeasurable contributions to United States history, culture, and the law. Continue reading “Zief Law Library Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources” →

National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder

In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder shares the holiday’s history, current voter registration information, and legal research resources at Zief. 

Promotional materials from the ACLU North Carolina Voting Information Center, 2024.
Promotional materials from the ACLU North Carolina Voting Information Center, 2024.

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY:

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY

Join the University of San Francisco Zief Law Library in celebrating National Voter Registration Day on September 17th, 2024. This nonpartisan civic holiday is celebrated each September to create awareness about voter registration opportunities and celebrate democracy. Continue reading “National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024” →

Welcome, Students – Write A Letter to Your Future Graduating Self!

Posted on by Mike Muehe

The Zief Law Library team welcomes our new 1Ls, LLMs, and returning upper-level law students to a brand new school year! We hope you’ve had a restful summer and are ready to start the semester off strong. Stop by and let us know what you were up to!

As always, the law library has a wealth of resources you can use, including:

  • Legal research help and instruction from your amazing librarians, in-person, online, or by phone;
  • Access to Lexis+, WestLaw Precision, Bloomberg Law and HeinOnline;
  • Study aids (in print books, eBooks, and audiobooks) to help supplement your courses and bar studying;
  • Digital resources you can access anywhere, anytime;
  • Course textbooks;
  • Ignacio, the library catalog of Zief and Gleeson Libraries;
  • Study Room Reservations and three floors of study space;
  • Printers, copiers, and scanners (and the free LexisNexis printer);
  • Charging station for phones, tablets, and computers;
  • Puzzles, coloring supplies, and study-break materials;
  • And much more

Additionally, stop by the library to write your future self a letter, that you’ll get back at graduation!

What is the 1L Letter to Future Self Project?

As you navigate your first year in law school, take a moment to capture on your personal, professional, and academic aspirations by writing a letter to your future self. The library staff invites you to document your current ambitions, challenges, and dreams for your legal education and goals. In a few years, as you celebrate graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law, read the letter you wrote to your future self and reflect on why you embarked on this challenging yet rewarding path. How to Participate?

Visit the letter-writing station across from the Circulation desk on the first floor of the library for materials. At the station, you’ll find pens, University of San Francisco School of Law letterhead, and envelopes. Once you finish your letter, seal the envelope and write your name and projected graduation year. At the end of your final year of law school, you can pick up your letter at the Circulation desk. For example, if you are beginning your 1L year today and predict your graduation date to be 2027, please stop by the Circulation desk in May of 2027.

If you prefer to email your letter, please email Access Services Lead, Steffi Ando, at sando@usfca.edu. She will print and seal your letter. Submit your letter by Friday, October 4, 2024 at 5 p.m. PDT.

The Zief Law Library Celebrates Law Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources

Posted on by Randall Seder

Are there issues with this text? Email the author: Randall Seder, rseder@usfca.edu.

The image depicts Lady Justice raising scales. The image is titled "Lady Justice background," and it is credited to the Tingey Injury Law Firm, West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Lady Justice background. Tingey Injury Law Firm, West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, USA. Unsplash.com.

LEGAL HISTORY

The Zief Law Library joins the University of San Francisco School of Law community in celebrating “Law Day.” This national holiday recognizes the significant role that the law, legal processes, and legal education play in the United States. These topics contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to provide justice and extend civil liberties to all Americans. Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1st, but many events and programs are held the week(s) before or after. Continue reading “The Zief Law Library Celebrates Law Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources” →

Voting Form: Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest

Posted on by Randall Seder

USF School of Law, many thanks to those who submitted to the Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest! It’s now time to determine first, second, and third-place costumes…

STEP 1: Visit the Zief Pets wall located on the first floor of the Zief Law Library to view this year’s talented pet contestants.

STEP 2: Fill out the Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest VOTING SURVEY.

Winners will be announced on Monday, December 11th, 2023. For community members still hoping to win, it’s not too late to fill out the Zief Pets Winter Costume Contest Submission Form! Visit the original ZiefBrief blog post, “Zief Pets Presents Winter-Themed Costume Contest!” for more information on the contest.

The image shows promotional material for Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest voting. The image imcludes a QR Code and a bitly link to access the voting Google Form.
Promotional material for Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest voting.

Zief Pets Presents: Winter-Themed Costume Contest!

Posted on by Randall Seder

Calling all pets! Celebrate the Winter season with Zief Law Library’s Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest! Submit pictures of your pets in their Winter-themed costumes or festive attire for your chance to win a special prize. Law school community members will vote on their favorite pets and prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place. Outfits can include themes such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Boxing Day, Lunar New Year, winter season, and more!

All submissions will be featured on the Zief Pets Wall in the Zief Law Library. To participate, please fill out the Google Form by Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, using the QR code on the image below or visit https://bit.ly/3SrYE30. Winners will be announced on Monday, December 11th, 2023. 

The image shows a promotional graphic for the Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest. The graphic shows a cartoon penguin and a cartoon polar bear. The penguin's speech bubble says, "Zief Pets Presents: Winter Costume Contest," with the Zief Law Library Logo. The text on the image reads: "Submit photographs of your pets wearing winter or holiday-themed outfits. All submissions will be featured on the Zief Pets Wall in the Zief Law Library. Prizes will be awarded to First, Second, and Third Place. To participate, fill out the Google Form using the QR Code or visit https://bit.ly/3SrYE30." The cartoon polar bear's speech bubble reads: "Submit by Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. Vote until Sunday, December 10th, 2023. Winners announced Monday, December 11th, 2023."
Promotional graphic for the Zief Pets Winter Costume Contest.

Zief Pets Presents: Halloween Costume Gallery!

Posted on by Mike Muehe

Celebrate the spooky season with Zief Law Library as we introduce Zief Pets Presents: Halloween Costume Gallery! Whether a dog, cat, iguana, or even a pet rock, Zief Pets wants to see your pets’ best Halloween looks!

Submit pictures of your pets in their Halloween costumes or festive attire, and we will display them on the Zief Pets wall in Zief Law Library from Monday, October 30th to Monday, November 6th. To participate, please fill out the Google Form by October 30th, using the QR code on the image below or visit bit.ly/ZiefPetsHalloween23.

Advertisement flyer for Zief Pets with a cartoon cat and dog in ghost costumes.

 

 

Zief Law Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Legal History, Events, and Resources

Posted on by Randall Seder

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2023,

SEPTEMBER 15TH-OCTOBER 15TH 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the commemorative month, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay-Area events of interest.

George Floyd Protest in Los Angeles, May 31st, 2020, Unsplash.com

Zief Law Library joins the University of San Francisco community in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This commemorative month acknowledges the immeasurable contributions and influence of Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e Americans to United States history. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates a rich collection of cultural and ethnic identities, including those identifying as Latino/a/x/e, from Latin America (Mexico, South and Central America) and the Caribbean, as well as those identifying as Hispanic, from one of the 20 countries worldwide who’s primary language is Spanish (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela).  Continue reading “Zief Law Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Legal History, Events, and Resources” →

National Library Week 2023

Posted on by Steffi Ando

“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.”

David Lankes

Happy National Library Week! This year’s American Library Association theme is “There’s More to the Story” celebrating libraries’ expansive materials, services, and resources beyond print books. This week, learn how to use your library card to its fullest potential and celebrate with Zief Law Library!

National Library Week 2023 Logo

Events at Zief

All Week Activities

  1. Pick up a Zief-themed word search by the Brain Break table on the first floor!
  2. Vote on your favorite library, law school, or poetry themed haiku written by USF law students by April 27th, 3:00 p.m.! The winner receives a Green Apple Books gift card!
  3. Share your favorite books from childhood with the Communal Children’s Book Library! Located on the first floor near the Circulation Desk.
  4. Guess how many books are in Zief Law Library and win a prize!
  5. Pick up freebies from Lexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, and more!

San Francisco

San Francisco Public Library

Continue reading “National Library Week 2023” →

Tax Day

Posted on by Suzanne Mawhinney

In observance of Tax Day, on April 18 this year, Zief Library takes a brief look at the legal history of our federal income tax system and highlights Zief tax research resources and opportunities for further study.

Federal Income Taxes: A Brief History:

Did you know the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) came into existence on July 9, 1953?  Its main function is to determine, assess, and collect internal revenue in the United States.

A few other facts about the IRS and the modern federal income tax system:

  • The first U.S. Congress created the Department of the Treasury in 1789. It has the authority to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws of the U.S.
  • Modern individual income taxes are largely a result of the Revenue Act of 1913, which President Woodrow Wilson signed into law. The act restored federal income taxes and lowered tariff (taxes on imported goods) rates, which President Wilson considered to be unfair taxes.
  • Earlier Revenue Acts had given Congress the power to tax personal income, including the first, The Revenue Act of 1861, which was signed by President Lincoln (to pay for the Civil War). It lacked an enforcement mechanism and was later repealed. A flat rate Federal income tax was enacted in 1894, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional because it was a direct tax not apportioned according to the population of each state.
  • The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution resolved this issue when it was ratified in 1913. It granted Congress “the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes,…, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration”.
  • The IRS came into existence in 1953 after President Harry S. Truman called for a reorganization of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, created after the Civil War.
  • Congress gave the Treasury Department the authority to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws of the U.S. in 1954, and that authority is governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 7801. The IRS is organized to carry out the responsibilities of the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
  • The first Form 1040 was introduced in 1913, and the standard deductions on Form 1040 were created in 1944.
  • Filing & Payment Dates: Although April 15 is the official annual individual federal income tax filing deadline, the date varies due to weekends and holidays. This year the deadline is Tuesday, April 18 for most Americans. Federal income taxes were originally due on March 1 after the passage of the 16th Amendment in 1913, but the deadline was changed five years later to March 15. The tax system was overhauled in 1954 with the passage of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and the date was again moved to April 15.

Research Resources:

Many of the legal research databases and other resources you are already using provide access to tax-related research materials. A few, however, are worth mentioning for their special focus on tax materials:

Checkpoint Edge: Thomson Reuters Checkpoint Edge provides access to information on U.S. federal and state tax laws, regulations, and cases. USF Law students and faculty can access it from on campus.

Lexis Tax: Lexis Tax, which is part of your Lexis+ subscription, allows you to run single searches across multiple tax resources in one of three subjects: Federal, State & Local, or U.S. International Tax law. These include primary sources and specialized secondary materials, including tax analysis, tax commentary, tax news and other information required to practice tax law. By putting all tax materials in one place, Lexis helps you simplify your search process.

Zief Federal Tax Research Guide: For help finding federal tax related materials, check out the library’s handy research guide on federal tax research.

Interested in Pursuing a Career in Tax Law?

Did you know USF offers graduate programs in tax law for students who have already earned a law degree? Many students who want to focus their careers in tax law enroll in one of these programs after earning their JD’s. Check out the USF’s LLM and Graduate Tax Programs for more information.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Legal History, Research Resources, and Community Events

Posted on by Randall Seder

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the commemorative month, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay-Area events of interest.

Women’s March 2017 - Pennsylvania Ave
Women’s March 2017, Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC. Unsplash.

LEGAL HISTORY

The legal beginnings of National Women’s History Month have California origins. Efforts to adopt a commemorative month-long observance of women’s history began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California with The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission was established on December 23rd, 1975 (Ordinance No. 1850) with the intended purpose of eliminating discrimination and prejudice on the basis of gender in areas of domestic, economic, and educational influence. In 1978, the Commission on the Status of Women planned and carried out “Women’s History Week.” They chose a week in March that would include International Women’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 8th and commemorates the 1908 New York City protestors who marched to voice opinions on child labor, sweatshop working conditions, and women’s suffrage. Continue reading “Celebrating Women’s History Month: Legal History, Research Resources, and Community Events” →

Celebrating Black History Month: Legal History, Research Resources, and Community Events

Posted on by Randall Seder

In celebration of Black History Month, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the commemorative month, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay-Area events of interest.

“Civil rights march on Washington, D.C. / [WKL].” Original black and white negative by Warren K. Leffler. Taken August 28th, 1963, Washington D.C, United States (@libraryofcongress). Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2003654393/

LEGAL HISTORY

(Left) Photograph of Dr. Carter Woodson Public Domain, 1910. Hulton Archive/Getty Images
(Right) Lincoln Jubilee Choir, Chorus of 650 Voices. Lincoln Jubilee Album 50th Anniversary of Our Emancipation. Compiled by Lincoln Jubilee Photographer John H. Ballard. 1915.

Congress legally adopted Black History Month after passing Public Law 99-244 in 1886, but the true beginning of this annual month-long celebration of African American accomplishment, contribution, sacrifice, and culture began 70 years earlier with the work of the Virginia-born Black historian, author, and scholar Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson.  Continue reading “Celebrating Black History Month: Legal History, Research Resources, and Community Events” →

Final Exam Preparation

Posted on by Steffi Ando

Final Exam Season is right around the corner, and with that comes plenty of preparation, stress, and excitement. The Zief Law Library is here to help and support you through it all. This week, we take a look at some resources geared towards law students and designed to help you manage exam stress and prepare for your exams. Good Luck!

Self-Care and Managing Exam Stress

Law school demands lots of unique dedication and discipline when it comes to studying and exam-taking. If you’re experiencing stress around exam time, you might check out these resources targeted to law school students.

Blogs and Reading Material

  • New England School of Law’s How to Deal with Law School Stress in Healthy Ways is a quick overview of healthy habits to incorporate into your busy schedule to relieve stress and anxiety over time.
  • Meditate! Professor Rhonda MaGee explores in her article, “Educating Lawyers to Meditate?” the role of contemplative practices in legal education and finds evidence in her students at USF Law.
  • Get outside! The Yale School of the Environment discusses time in nature’s therapeutic effects on https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1689769the brain and body, resulting in lower blood pressure, reduced nervous system arousal, and overall improves your physical and mental health.

Audio and Video

Continue reading “Final Exam Preparation” →

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