E M I L Y  K A P L A N

I decided to use this Emily Dickinson poem as the opening statement to my portfolio because I wanted the reader to have the opportunity to consider it before deciding whether or not to continue reading. Seeing as you've arrived at this page, I'm going to assume you found it at least somewhat intriguing. 

In a trial, the Opening Statements are the first words the jury hears. They are the words that influence the jurors' impressions of the lawyers and give them a glimpse at what is to come as the trial unfolds. While this portfolio does not revolve around poetry or Emily Dickinson, it does aim to communicate who I am, and who I am would not be complete without an understanding of that poem.

I believe that words belong beyond paper- written to be heard, not just read. Spoken to enact change, to make a case. 

A litigator may have the ability to write a powerful argument, but there will be no set of steak knives if that litigator cannot make those words mean something in a courtroom. 

Judge's Charge represents this page, my About page, because it serves as the instructional portion of this portfolio. In a trial, the judge's instructions to the jury-- about how to interpret legal vernacular, which remarks to listen to and which to disregard-- are often referred to as the judge's charge. 

The next tab of this portfolio, Presentation of Evidence, is home to other writing I have completed throughout my years at Michigan. Every paper I have turned in has contributed to who I am as a writer, only some have affected who I am as an individual. Those included as part of this portfolio provide evidence to who writing has helped me become. 

The final aspect of this portfolio is my Capstone project. This project, "Black Voices and the Death Penalty: A Map of Congress and Capital Punishment," is the culmination of 8 years of interest, 4 years of research. Black Voices and the Death Penalty is the last artifact you will see of mine in this portfolio, it will be the last impression you have of me before you decide how you feel about my work. In a court case, closing arguments end a trial—but they themselves are not static. They change as the lawyer does, improve as the lawyer learns. My Capstone project functions in the same way. As I learn more about the topic, and about the most effective way to convey that topic, I will alter and improve my project. My Capstone project is my Closing Argument.