September 2017 – Phil Cline

War and Emergency Powers

September 27, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Cline on the Constitution / Congress / Presidency

The prospect of war abroad and insurrection at home are not thoughts we welcome. However, I’m not sure they can much longer be avoided. Abroad North Korea, ruled by a fat little despot with a bad haircut, has nuclear bombs, is developing missiles to deliver them and threatens to use the weapons against the […]

The General, a poem by Phil Cline

September 27, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Literary Writings / Poetry

My General Up along the hill On worn and weathered knees He strived headlong, stubborn, Leading us to our destiny. Our Captain shouted No! to him, Warning of shocks and shoals, Of arrows, pins, shards and blades, Of bent, broken flags and escutcheons. And all us foolish boys Who marked his words, […]

The Intercession, a short story by Phil Cline

September 27, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Literary Writings / Short Stories

Intercession Miles to the north another man was just arriving at the peak of the coastal mountain Range. He, like Jeff Davalos back at Dorn’s restaurant, also knew the identity of the man killed on Morro Rock. The victim was his brother. The man was tired from the drive. He had been fast […]

Just Once, a poem by Phil Cline

September 16, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Literary Writings / Poetry

Just Once Just once watching the tides at play A wave cut fiercely left to right, Never topping nor breaking to white, A green watery blade it was Rising and rending the wind, Scattering the screaming gulls, Then calmed to mere swell, It withdrew seaward Never crashing to shore. I did […]

The Leaving, A Short Story by Phil Cline

September 16, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Literary Writings / Short Stories

A Leaving When he called, the investigator from the District Attorney’s office gave Wayne directions to a small private mortuary. He found it just off the coastal highway in San Simeon. The investigator met him in the parking lot and led him to a side door. The investigator stayed outside as Wayne walked into […]

Speech at San Joaquin College of Law

September 15, 2017 by philcline in Lectures & Speeches / Speeches

Hall of Fame Induction. When Diane asked me to be MASTER OF CEREMONIES tonight, as you might expect, it got me to thinking about the school, the memories, what it means to all of us, and all in light of the honor and pride tonight’s inductees brings to the school. I have to admit, […]

Lecture to Students in Correction’s Officers Program

September 15, 2017 by philcline in Lectures / Lectures & Speeches

Insights into Voir Dire and the Role of Prosecutor Voir Dire From French, “To see, To speak” Last skill mastered as trial lawyer, because most difficult to do correctly. i.e. Stumbling to find juror’s name in notes vs. memorizing names while defense questioned. “Unpicking” a jury – Group Psychology. […]

Religious Tests Under the Constitution

September 13, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Cline on the Constitution / Congress / Judiciary / Religion

Religious Tests Under the Constitution California Senator, Dianne Feinstein, abetted by Senate Colleagues recently demeaned the Catholic faith of a nominee to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeal. The nominee, Amy Barrett, is a professor of law from Norte Dame. She has impeccable legal, intellectual and educational credentials and once clerked for Supreme […]

Cline on the Constitution – Presidential Pardons

September 3, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Cline on the Constitution / Presidency

Presidential Pardons Last week, President Trump issued a pardon to the famous Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona. The Eighty Five year old Sheriff had been found guilty of Contempt for defying orders of a Federal Court. The orders had banned his staff from targeting individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants without legal […]

Dry Grass at the Beach, a poem by Phil Cline

September 3, 2017 by philcline in Blog / Literary Writings / Poetry

Dry Grass at the Beach Dry grass at the beach house Beneath rainless clouds, Thirsting next to eternal acres of sea, The drought remains, piteous, aloof. The fog’s damp mist wet insufficient To reach down, nourish, resurrect Dead roots and parched strands Of sun burned grass. The retired captain peered outward At […]

Month: September 2017