In this blog, 2L staffer Johnna Adams argues that the Second Chance Act (SCA), which has already been proven effective at reducing recidivism, should be expanded to include equine-assisted rehabilitation programs. Adams explains how these programs help participants overcome unique challenges that traditional rehabilitation models often fail to address through hands-on work with horses. Adams contends that by broadening the SCA’s coverage, recidivism can be further reduced without the need for additional spending.
In this blog, 3L Staffer Jacob Krummen examines Kentucky House Bill 630, introduced in the 2025 Regular Session in order to change eminent domain laws in Kentucky, protect certain uses of land, and strike a balance between development and conservation. Krummen argues the proposed changes in the bill would substantially impair the development of critical infrastructure in Kentucky and should undergo significant revisions before it is made into law.
Heirs' property ownership is increasingly unstable and fragmented. In this blog, 3L Senior Staffer Ben Bertram argues for the implementation of the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to protect family-owned farms and ancestral land from forced sales and speculative exploitation. Bertram contends that the procedural adjustments required by the UPHPA are outweighed by the preservation of rural land ownership.
In this blog, 2L staffer Aaron Withers examines Kentucky’s emerging shift from a coal-based economy to advanced nuclear and critical-mineral projects on retired mine sites. He argues that this transition is welcome only if implemented through a community-centered legal framework with strict siting requirements, enforceable local-benefit obligations, and long-term accountability to prevent repeating past harms.
In this blog, 2L staffer Alexander Bowman tackles the issue of whether new equine inspection laws for racehorses should be extended to apply to show horses as well. Bowman discusses the new inspection laws and analyzes the benefits of them. Next, he discusses the potentially injurious effects on show horses without these inspection laws. Bowman recommends that these laws should be applied to show horses in a uniform manner through the creation of a similar independent agency like the KHRGC.
Blog By: John Hayman
Traditional styles of architecture tend to be more sustainable, while modern styles of architecture tend to be less sustainable. In this blog, 3L staffer John Hayman considers the carbon footprint of different types of architecture and argues for the construction of architecture that is less environmentally destructive.
Blog By: Joseph White
Conservation easements are a tool that private parties can use to protect lands by receiving tax deductions in exchange for agreeing to land use restrictions. However, some groups of investors are taking advantage of this tool by making questionable appraisals of their property before getting an easement, allowing them to receive vastly larger deductions. In this blog, 2L staffer Joseph White discusses how a new law passed by Congress addresses these questionable practices by limiting the eligibility for those deductions.
Blog By: Ryan Stuart
The increase of sensors and software on modern farming equipment has allowed manufacturers like John Deere to control the repair process of their farm equipment. In this blog, 3L staffer Ryan Stuart argues that farmers need right-to-repair legislation to ensure that individuals can access the tools needed to repair their own equipment.
Blog By: Abby Noser
The Inflation Reduction Act includes a tax credit for nuclear power production. In this blog, 3L staffer Abby Noser explains the tax credits for nuclear energy under the IRA and argues that Kentucky should adopt Senate Resolution 171 so that the state can take advantage of the current IRA tax credits.
Blog By: Garrison Rosser
Despite political polarization, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments are on the rise. In this blog, Notes Editor Garrison Rosser explains that lawyers should embrace ESG practices to better advise their clients while also leaving the environment in a better condition.
Blog By: Julia Ray
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulates pesticide distribution, sale, and use. In this blog, 2L staffer Julia Ray explains that current structure of FIFRA allows unsafe pesticides to be produced in the US. Further, Ray argues that FIFRA should be amended to remove the registration exception for exported pesticides to promote public health and minimize the environmental impact of pesticides.
Blog By: Julia Giordano
In 2017, five animal activists removed two sick piglets from a pork manufacturing facility and a jury found the defendants not guilty on all charges. In this blog, 2L staffer Julia Giordano analyzes this case and explains how its implications could transcend to other animal welfare cases.
Blog By: Dylan Keefe
In August 2022, Congress passed the most significant climate legislation in American history: the Inflation Reduction Act. With historic funding secured, the country should be well on its way toward clean energy production, right? Well, not quite. Another obstacle remains: federal permitting requirements.
